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Automatic flight control: Bridging the gap between fixed-wing drones and airplanes

October 14, 2022 by Jeremy C. H. Wang

Over the past two decades, remotely piloted aircraft have increased significantly in size, weight, and range. As the lines blur between drone and airplane technology, engineers must reconcile conflicting assumptions and approaches when developing small drones versus conventional full-sized aircraft. This article summarizes key considerations with systems architecture, control theory, and regulatory approvals that early career engineers should be aware of when developing automatic flight control systems. Various examples including energy management, left-yawing tendencies, automatic landing systems, and machine learning applications are used to highlight the major differences therein.
For more about this article see link below.
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9874762
For the open access PDF link of this article please click.

Filed Under: Past Theme Tagged With: Airplanes, Atmospheric modeling, Autopilot, Drones, Payloads, Remotely piloted aircraft

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About the Magazine

IEEE Potentials Magazine is the publication dedicated to undergraduate and graduate students and young professionals. IEEE Potentials explores career strategies, the latest in research, and important technical developments. Through its articles, it also relates theories to practical applications, highlights technology’s global impact, and generates international forums that foster the sharing of diverse ideas about the profession.

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