Evaluating the Autonomous Flying Qualities of a Simulated Variable Stability Aircraft

Whether delivering internet connectivity from high altitudes, at airspeeds of just 30 knots, gathering data from active volcanoes and forming hurricanes, or collecting Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) over hostile territories, UAVs are at the ready to perform those missions that are too ‘dull, dirty, or dangerous’ for manned aircraft. However, the proliferation of this new technology has its fair share of challenges. Over 460 military UAV mishaps have occurred since 2001, with almost half resulting in damages of $2 million or more. One mishap almost ended in fatalities, when a UAV, suffering from loss of control, collided with a C-130. That loss of control is what this undertaking aims to address—toward establishing design criteria for UAV stability and control characteristics, or flying qualities. Open-source flight simulation software, known as JSBSim, was used to investigate the correlation between F-16 flying qualities, and aircraft workload and performance, while executing a set of precision-aggressive tasks under autopilot command. The results suggest techniques by which workload and performance metrics can be used to specify design requirements for UAVs. This research effort is intended to serve as a precursor for real-world flight testing using the NF-16D Variable stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA).