Unmanned aircraft mission management system for trajectory based operations

This paper presents the concept of operations, system architecture and trajectory optimisation algorithms of a Next Generation Mission Management System (NG-MMS) for Unmanned Aircraft (UA). The NGMMS is developed for Four Dimensional (4D) Trajectory/Intent-Based Operations (TBO/IBO) in the combined Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management and Avionics (CNS+A) context. The NGMMS, primarily responsible for automated navigation and guidance tasks, acts as a key enabler for achieving higher levels of automation and improving operational efficiency. After describing the key NG-MMS architectures, the mathematical models for trajectory generation and optimisation modes are presented. Evaluation of the proposed concepts and methodologies by Verification and Validation (V&V) of the system software through simulation activities is also presented. The results demonstrate the functional capability of the NG-MMS to generate cost-effective trajectory profiles satisfying both operational and environmental requirements.