Airborne sensor aiming can be achieved with a fixed sensor using the manoeuvrability
of an aircraft. Such a method offers advantages in potential sensor coverage
and reduced payload complexity. Without use of a gimbal, an aircraft can be made
more robust and sensor aiming is limited only by the aircraft flight capabilities.
A novel method is developed and demonstrated for performing sensor aiming with
a fixed-wing aircraft. A creative mathematical framework is presented for both a 3D
path following controller and a method to seamlessly achieve sensor aiming while
minimizing path deviation. A simulation environment is developed based on a fit-forpurpose
aircraft model identified from live flight testing and the control algorithms
are validated.
Flight test data is presented demonstrating efficacy of the 3D path following controller.
These demonstrations also serve to validate the aircraft modelling approach
taken during controller development.
Two application examples involving airborne radar aiming for detect and avoid
and gimbal-less ground target tracking are used to illustrate the sensor aiming method.
The proposed sensor aiming methodology is both practical and feasible as supported
by results. The proposed method is applicable to both unmanned and manned aircraft.
Future work involving the concept of manoeuvrable sensors is proposed in the
conclusion
