Landing system project for a VTOL aircraft

• Grant number: 19/07625-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2019
• End date: July 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Aerospace Engineering - Flight Dynamics
• Principal Investigator: Eduardo Morgado Belo
• Grantee: Carlos Andre Persiani Filho
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The purpose of this work is the study, analysis, simulation and construction of an automatic landing system for a quadricopter, which can be used on any Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) vehicle. The project will be based on a device that measures the distance of the aircraft to the landing platform and assesses whether the landing surface is flat enough. A control algorithm will lead the aircraft to the ground if landing is possible or, if not, will reposition the quadricopter for a new landing tentative. For execution, the project will be divided in four stages. The first stage is the computational simulation. In it, the flight dynamics of the quadricopter will be physically and computationally modeled, as well as the control algorithms, which will be tested in computational tests. The second stage consists of studying and building the hardware system. A laser measuring tape will be used to measure the distance from the UAV to the landing platform and consequently to be able to analyze if the landing plan is secure or not. A slewing mechanism allowing the measurement of distances under the aircraft will be implemented. In addition, a microprocessed system, ARDUINO, will coordinate the signals. The third stage consists of performing the tests and adjustments to the project. A landing structure, designed by the author, will be used to test the validity of the automatic landing system, in real situations, simulating a drone. The fourth and final stage is the writing and publication of the final report.