Cooperative Multitask Planning Strategies for Integrated RF Systems Aboard UAVs

Abstract

Limited by the load capacity of UAVs, it is difficult for an integrated radio frequency (RF) system aboard a single platform to have both wide-area and comprehensive battlefield sensing capabilities. One possible approach to solve this dilemma is to use multiple UAVs to perceive the scene cooperatively and simultaneously. To this end, this paper mainly discusses the cooperative task planning strategies facing cooperative UAVs with integrated RF systems when performing several tasks simultaneously. First, considering the complexity of the planning problem, the physical model for UAV formation cooperation is discussed. Then, based on the irregular and ad hoc characteristics of cooperative UAV networks, the essential compositions for UAVs cooperation are formulated that includes input information and planning constraints as well as evaluation indicators. Furthermore, to solve the given task planning problem, four new planning strategies are targeted designed for different planning purposes. Finally, a simulated cooperative UAV multitask planning scenario including cooperative detection, cooperative localization, and jamming is designed. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of these strategies as well as their advantages, disadvantages, and the multiscenario adaptability of each strategy.