Modern Techniques for the Control of RPV's

Development work on the total control of Target Aircraft (TA) has involved planning and engineering trade-offs in the aircraft and Ground Control System (GCS). The degree of control automation can vary from maximum human intervention to a complete elimination of the man-in-the-loop. In general, control is becoming more automated with the human as supervisor. Testing has confirmed that fewer operators with lesser skill levels can be utilized. Digital auto-pilot systems are enabling TA to operate autonomously, providing a diminishing role for the GCS. Coupled with stand-alone Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation sensors in the TA, the possibilities for stealth are increasing. The development is largely user driven such as the need for pre-programmed flight. However, technological advances are also creating new applications.