Autonomous Aerial Observation System Concepts for Microwave Remote Sensing

The use of UAVs for surveillance a nd reconnaissance missions has been discussed for some time and the advantages of these platforms for many DoD applications have been demonstrated , and in many cases resulted in operational vehicles . Research is continuing to further exploit these advanta ges for other government and commercial applications. The DoD has pioneered the development of specific vehicles to meet defined mission objectives such as the USAF sensorcraft for radar surveillance, stratospheric vehicles with integral arrays for detect ing movem ent of vehicles on the ground, or vehicles to fly within and around building for urban warfare applications . These are examples where the focus is on the mission goals and developing a vehicle sensor concept optimized for those goals. More recen tly the use of UAVs for Earth remote sensing , Homeland Security applications and possible commercial remote sensing has been discussed . These p reliminary efforts essentially utilize these platforms as substitutes for manned aircraft and the instrument tend s to be viewed as the payload distinct from the vehicle . A systems perspective focused on the development and optimization of the measurement approach, instrument, and vehicle to meet the overall science or mission goals will further increase the contr ib utions of UAV s to non -DoD remote sensing objectives. This paper explores a n integrated vehicle/sensor conceptual design tool to provide a systems perspective and enable system level vehicle/instrument mission optimization.