An automatic takeoff and landing system has been developed for remotely piloted vehicles (RPV) operating from prepared runways. This system consists of a scanning beam microwave landing guidance system and a high performance flight control system. Interfaced with the automatic system is a remote operator, who, using a special control station, monitors system performance, evaluates approach quality and may remotely control the vehicle in the event of contingencies.
This paper describes briefly the RPV Automatic Takeoff and Landing (Autoland) system development program: the design approach, simulation and flight test results, and conclusions.