Atair Aerospace Becomes the First Company in the World to Demonstrate Flocking and Swarming Capabilities on Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
For the first time in history, autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have flown using flocking and swarming algorithms. “Flocking and Swarming” are two words used interchangeably to refer to modeled flight that is biologically inspired by the flight of flocking birds and swarming insects.
BROOKLYN, NY (PRWEB) March 31, 2005 -- “For the first time in history,
autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have flown using flocking and
swarming algorithms,” reports Daniel Preston, chief executive and lead engineer
for Atair Aerospace, Inc. (Atair AS).
“Flocking and Swarming” are two
words used interchangeably to refer to modeled flight that is biologically
inspired by the flight of flocking birds and swarming insects. The capability of
biological systems to autonomously maneuver, track and pursue evasive targets in
a cluttered environment is vastly superior to any engineered system.
Atair AS is pioneering the development and implementation of flocking
and active collision avoidance algorithms on UAVs. Atair AS’ technology was
first tested December 16–18 in Eloy, Ariz. where two fleets of five Onyx™
systems were airdropped and successfully flocked in tight formation to target.
Onyx systems are autonomously guided parafoil systems (UAV gliders) designed to
allow military cargo to be parachuted from high altitude and horizontal stand
off and land accurately on target. Atair AS developed the Onyx system under
contract with the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center - Natick. Onyx systems can be
dropped at up to 35,000 ft altitude, autonomously glide for 30+ miles, and land
on a preprogrammed target—accurate to about 150 feet.
The importance of
flocking and active collision avoidance towards the application of precision
resupply is critical. With this technology multiple systems (50+) can be
deployed in the same airspace, guiding to one or multiple targets without
possibility of mid air collisions.
Atair AS’ inventive technology has
advanced the state of the art in guidance and control systems. This technology
will open the door for advanced autonomous flight capabilities on a variety of
UAV platforms from fixed wing to rotorcraft, with applications from sensor and
munitions delivery to surveillance.
Atair Aerospace, Inc. is a
Brooklyn-based defense company dedicated to modernizing military and industrial
airdrop techniques through its range of innovative autonomously guided parachute
systems and UAVs.
For more information, contact Rick Zaccari at e-mail
protected from spam bots or visit the Atair Aerospace website at www.atairaerospace.com.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/3/prweb223157.htm