Rapid Initialization and Filter Convergence for Electro-optic / Infrared Sensor Based Precision Ship-Relative Navigation for Automated Ship Landing
Navy SBIR FY2015.2


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2015.2
Topic No.: N152-111
Topic Title: Rapid Initialization and Filter Convergence for Electro-optic / Infrared Sensor Based Precision Ship-Relative Navigation for Automated Ship Landing
Proposal No.: N152-111-0522
Firm: Scientific Systems Company, Inc
500 West Cummings Park - Ste 3000
Woburn, Massachusetts 1801-6562
Contact: Andrew Browning
Phone: (781) 933-5355
Abstract: Autonomous landing of a fixed wing Unmanned Air Vehicle on the deck of a moving ship requires a fast initializing, precise, and accurate ship-relative navigation solution able that is capable of functioning in emissions control scenarios (EMCON). Current state-of-the-art landing systems rely on RF emissions and are therefore inoperable in EMCON or are subject to the availability of a specific RF spectrum. The proposed RAIN-LANDR system is designed to provide fully EMCON compliant, continuous, high integrity range and bearing data for unmanned or assisted approach and landing. RAIN-LANDR leverages and integrates aircraft fast initializing pose estimation and navigation filter modules developed by SSCI to provide high accuracy precision ship-relative navigation data. High intensity, visible light beacons placed on the ship extend the range of operations and speed-up pose estimation, ultimately contributing to fast filter convergence. The objective of the Phase I effort will be the development of the RAIN-LANDR system concept, validation in simulation studies using physics-based renderings with accurate light source modeling. The Phase I effort will provide a solid foundation for the implementation and demonstration of an integrated system in Phase II.
Benefits: The proposed RAIN-LANDR system will provide a measurement system for auto-landing UAVs or assisting manned landings on fixed or moving platforms, with minimal modifications to the aircraft or landing platform, whether commercial or military. The system will be usable in EMCON scenarios and in other contexts where RF-dependent systems may not function properly.

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