Concept of operations

About: Concept of operations is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 964 publications have been published within this topic receiving 6845 citations. The topic is also known as: CONOPS.

Network-Centric Systems for Military Operations in Urban Terrain: The Role of UAVs

Abstract: Military systems are the motivational driver for much of the technology development conducted at applied research laboratories around the world. As the needs of the world's militaries change, so does the focus of this research and development. In this paper, we discuss how the fundamental characteristics of military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) impose requirements and constraints on sensing and reconnaissance. We highlight the importance of a new class of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for network-centric military urban operations. We review some of the UAVs that have been developed in recent years, and that are under development, with particular attention to their endurance, portability, performance, payload, and communication capabilities. Selected university testbeds are also briefly noted. Over the last few years there has been considerable research focused on how these small UAVs, both individually and collectively, can operate autonomously in urban environments and help capture and communicate needed information. We discuss some of this research; specific topics covered include guidance and control for autonomous operation, multi-UAV coordination and route optimization, and ad-hoc networking with UAV nodes. A new concept of operations is described that relies on coordination and control of a heterogeneous suite of small UAVs for surveillance and reconnaissance operations in urban terrain

Hybrid Optimal Control Framework for Mission Planning

Abstract: With the progressive sophistication of future missions, it has become increasingly apparent that a new framework is necessary for efficient planning, analysis, and optimization of various concepts of operations (CONOPS). In recognizing that CONOPS involve categorical variables, we propose a hybrid optimal control framework that mathematically formalizes such problems. Hybrid optimal control theory extends ordinary optimal control theory by including categorical variables in the problem formulation. The proposed formalism frees mission planners to focus on high-level decision making by automating and optimizing the details of the inner loops. The eventual goal of this formalism is to develop efficient tools and techniques to support the objective of increasing autonomy for future systems. In using the pseudospectral knotting method to solve hybrid optimal control problems, we generate a mixed-variable programming (MVP) problem. A simple, feasible integer programming subproblem is identified that reduces the combinatorial complexity of solving the MVP. In addition to developing the framework using various examples from aerospace engineering, we provide details for a two-agent benchmark problem associated with a multiagent launch system. The entire process is illustrated with a numerical example.

U-space concept of operations: A key enabler for opening airspace to emerging low-altitude operations

Abstract: Opening the sky to new classes of airspace user is a political and economic imperative for the European Union. Drone industries have a significant potential for economical growth according to the latest estimations. To enable this growth safely and efficiently, the CORUS project has developed a concept of operations for drones flying in Europe in very low-level airspace, which they have to share that space with manned aviation, and quite soon with urban air mobility aircraft as well. U-space services and the development of smart, automated, interoperable, and sustainable traffic management solutions are presented as the key enabler for achieving this high level of integration. In this paper, we present the U-space concept of operations (ConOps), produced around three new types of airspace volume, called X, Y, and Z, and the relevant U-space services that will need to be supplied in each of these. The paper also describes the reference high-level U-space architecture using the European air traffic management architecture methodology. Finally, the paper proposes the basis for the aircraft separation standards applicable by each volume, to be used by the conflict detection and resolution services of U-space.

Unmanned Aircraft System traffic management: Concept of operation and system architecture

Abstract: Within the past few years, civilian demand for small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), commonly referred to as drones, has skyrocketed. The passage of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Modernization and Reform Act in 2012 acknowledged this fact, and has since prompted expedited research and development for civilian sUAS. As proposed at a recent National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Convention, central to the safe and efficient operations of sUAS will be an unmanned aircraft system traffic management (UTM) system. Such a UTM system will borrow fundamental ideas from large-scale air-traffic control, albeit with several key differences that provide for sUAS which vary in method of control, maneuverability, function, range, and operational constraints. Ultimately, an expansion of UTM infrastructure, a decentralization of governing authority over sUAS operations, and the establishment of a web-interface for pilots to submit flight plans and access crucial data will allow for sUAS operations to shift from being a science-fiction gimmick to an element of daily life. The major objectives of this paper are to: (1) define what a UTM system is; (2) review current UTM practice from industry partners; (3) describe how sUAS pilots would use a typical UTM system, and who has authority over UTM; and (4) determine what physical architecture is required in a UTM system which handles a large variety of sUAS.