Autonomous UAV-Based Mortar Round Deployment with Real-Time Ballistic Correction
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3849/aimt.02006Keywords:
mortar round, UAV, ballistic modeling, autonomous navigationAbstract
This article describes airborne release of a mortar round from the UAV. Our software estimates downwind drift from onboard wind direction and speed, then commands the UAV to offset upwind before release. In field tests at 200 m, 400 m, and 600 m, this approach reduced drift distance by an average of about 40 % versus no compensation, validating predictive accuracy and operational reliability. The system integrates a ballistic solver using ultrasonic wind data, plus ground-control functions for mission execution. We built the UAV’s 3D model, tested the workflow in Gazebo, and evaluated performance under realistic weather. The article summarizes the development process, objectives, and outcomes.
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