Contact: Martin E. Kügler 089 (289) 16072 MW3611 me.kuegler@tum.de 13.03.2017

Institute of Flight System Dynamics

Technical University of Munich

Bachelor Thesis / Semester Thesis

Automatic Take-off and Landing Systems of UAV – Review of the State of the Art

Task Description: At the Institute of Flight System Dynamics (FSD), automatic take-off and landing (ATOL) systems are being developed for fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and optionally-piloted vehicles (OPV). In the proposed thesis, a comprehensive overview of the current state of science and technology of such ATOL Systems is to be generated. In particular, it shall consider the following aspects:

• General system setup and technology that is used (aircraft platform, sensor concept etc.)

• ATOL system design (e.g., capabilities of the system, implemented automation, flight controllers used)

• Implemented fault / failure handling (i.e., fault tolerance, available contingency procedures) • Validation and verification activities conducted and results / performance

achieved (e.g., formal testing, simulation testing, flight tests) To obtain the required information, a self-reliant literature review is to be conducted, including scientific publications, publicly accessible technical documents of commercial products, technical standards, and patents. The results of the research are to be compiled in a report.

Work Packages: • Familiarization with ATOL systems • Introduction to literature review methods, e.g., publication

databases • Identification of relevant projects and derivation of

information on these • Detailed documentation of the obtained results

Exemplary References to start with: [1] M. E. Kügler, F. Holzapfel, “Autoland for a Novel UAV as a State-Machine-based Extension to a Modular

Automatic Flight Guidance and Control System,” in American Control Conference, 2017, in press. [2] P. Riseborough, “Automatic Take-Off and Landing Control for Small UAV’s,” in IEEE 5th Asian Control

Conference, 2004. [3] S. Duranti, “Autonomous Take Off and Landing of the SHARC Technology Demonstrator,” in 25th

International Congress of the Aeronautical Sciences, Hamburg, 2006.

Required Profile of Qualifications: • General interest in UAV / OPV • Interest in automatic flight guidance and control, especially ATOL • Basic knowledge of flight control systems is helpful

Beginning: Immediately possible

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