RAPID CONFIGURATION AND LAUNCH OF A UAS SWARM FOR POST-NUCLEAR BLAST RESPONSE

摘要

A multi-disciplinary team of West Point cadets developed an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) swarm to provide automated remote sensing of radiation sources and hazards following a nuclear blast. The swarm employs autonomous and adaptive distributed control algorithms to survey (1) a radiation fallout plume to map its contour, and (2) a road network to visually identify obstacles to ground travel. To effectively conduct these missions USMA designed modifications to a fleet of Tarot 650 drones to interface with an existing swarming infrastructure, and to enable rapid tool-free integration of the required sensor suite. In addition, a rapid deployment launcher was designed to safely transport, power, and remotely launch the UAS from the back of a HMMWV. This paper describes considerations and analyses that supported the integrated mechanical and electrical designs, as well as a description of the resulting product. Flight testing was conducted to demonstrate the functionality of most of the designed components. Following the COVID-19 shutdown, the team pivoted to remote subcomponent testing, and computer simulation to demonstrate the remaining functions.