Evolution of an avionics system for a high-altitude UAV

D. K. Jackson, A. W. Groves, O. A. Rawashdeh, G. D. Chandler, W. T. Smith, J. E. Lumpp

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The UAV Research Group at the University of Kentucky is developing a test-bed UAV platform for Mars airplane technology, dubbed BIG BLUE. A major focus of the BIG BLUE effort has been the development of a low-cost and light-weight avionics, control, and communication system to manage the aircraft and relay data between the UAV and the ground stations during long-range high-altitude missions. BIG BLUE I, launched in May 2003, achieved the first successful deployment of infiatable/rigidizable wings at altitude. BIG BLUE II, launched in May 2004, had a flight-ready fuselage and control system. BIG BLUE 3 employed a new wing design and an enhanced avionics suite. This paper discusses the history of the BIG BLUE avionics, control, and communication systems, as well as the continuing design changes for future phases of the project.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCollection of Technical Papers - InfoTech at Aerospace
Subtitle of host publicationAdvancing Contemporary Aerospace Technologies and Their Integration
Pages2223-2231
Number of pages9
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005
EventInfoTech at Aerospace: Advancing Contemporary Aerospace Technologies and Their Integration - Arlington, VA, United States
Duration: Sep 26 2005Sep 29 2005

Publication series

NameCollection of Technical Papers - InfoTech at Aerospace: Advancing Contemporary Aerospace Technologies and Their Integration
Volume4

Conference

ConferenceInfoTech at Aerospace: Advancing Contemporary Aerospace Technologies and Their Integration
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityArlington, VA
Period9/26/059/29/05

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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