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A Novel Aircraft Center of Gravity and Gross Weight Estimation Method Solely Using Standard Aircraft Measurement Sensors

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: N/A
Contract: N68335-11-C-0486
Agency Tracking Number: N112-114-0693
Amount: $79,996.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N112-114
Solicitation Number: 2011.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2011-09-08
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
200 Canal View Blvd
Rochester, NY -
United States
DUNS: 073955507
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Liang Tang
 Team Lead, Intelligent Co
 (585) 424-1990
 liang.tang@impact-tek.com
Business Contact
 Mark Redding
Title: President
Phone: (585) 424-1990
Email: mark.redding@impact-tek.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

Impact Technologies, in collaboration with Rochester Institute of Technology proposes to develop and demonstrate a novel algorithm for estimating aircraft gross weight and center-of-gravity location using an innovative nonlinear real-time filter based method. The proposed algorithm uses known physics-based kinematic relationships between aircraft states for the estimation process and requires only traditional sensor measurements typically employed by aircraft. The physics-based kinematic relationships are used to derive the aircraft"s imposed loading estimates. Once the imposed load is determined the algorithm quickly isolates the vehicle"s gross weight and center-of-gravity. Estimation of the aircraft"s aerodynamic parameters is not required in the new approach. The new real-time filtering algorithm is based on an augmented version of the Sliding Mode Control algorithm which guarantees stable convergence (using Lyapunov"s Direct Method) of the aircraft"s gross weight and center-of-gravity estimates within known bounds. Preliminary simulation studies have demonstrated fast convergence of the aircraft"s gross weight and center-of-gravity location within a high degree of accuracy. While Phase I will focus on proof-of-concept software-in-the-loop demonstration and refinement to the current algorithms, a flight worthy algorithm will be developed and demonstrated using a relevant Navy aircraft vehicle platform for a mission profile in Phase II.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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