Use of Modeling and Simulation to Evaluate Unmanned Aerial System Asset Allocation and Assignment

Modeling & simulation (M&S) can be used to support the assessment of UAS asset allocation and assignment to meet specific missions or tasks by providing the means to examine potential usage strategies (i.e., use cases) and effectiveness determination (in terms of cost and performance) of various UAS platforms or combination of platforms. Through the use of a simulation framework, terrain data specific to the operational environment, and models of mission specific objects (e.g., UAV platforms, vegetation, and subject/target objects), it would be possible to run multiple scenarios, platforms, and search patterns virtually; providing an opportunity to observe how the aircraft and associated sensors (e.g., Day TV, infrared [IR], and synthetic aperture radar [SAR]) would interact with the specific target environment. The results of such a research project may provide the framework for the development of a system to determine advantages and limitations of M&S use for UAS asset assignment evaluation, while identifying appropriate UAS platforms and flight profiles to obtain maximum mission effectiveness.

An example where the value of such M&S use could be exhibited is in support of a radiological disaster recovery and monitoring UAS project NASA has been discussing with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for the 2020 Mars Rover launch. A baseline for evaluation could be established for this specific project by modeling the terrain (i.e., Kennedy Space Center), environmental conditions (e.g., wind, precipitation, and temperature), size and location of exploded radioactive debris, and capabilities and operational flight profile of several UAS (group 1-5). By observing the interactions of the subject UAS in this scenario, it is envisioned that a recommendation could be made to NASA regarding what UAS assets would be most appropriate to support the mission, categorized by cost (e.g., asset acquisition, support, and operation) and capability (e.g., sensor acuity/fidelity, range, duration, and speed). Such a demonstration may provide the opportunity for further refinement of the concept (i.e., UAS asset allocation and assignment evaluation) and eventual development of a system or product to meet the needs of public and private UAS operators (e.g., government agencies, military, researchers, and commercial users).


This research is in the proposal stage and the team is looking for further contributors and partners from Industry, Academia, and Government.

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