Design of a SW Framework for an Autopilot with Automated Test Capabilities on an Experimental Mid-Sized UAS

In the framework of Clean Sky 2 LPA (Large Passenger Aircraft) Platform 1 program, CIRA is the leader of the WP1.3.5 aiming at developing an advanced Autopilot, and a dedicated testing framework for supporting the Dynamically Scaled Vehicle flight demonstrations. The presented Autopilot not only includes basic features like other commercial products, but also introduces new characteristics specifically designed for supporting scaled flight testing on unconventional A/C (aircraft) configurations, allowing implementation of advanced control laws architectures and strategies. To facilitate the flight testing, the framework integrates a dedicated SW function for automated tests, so avoiding,as much as possible, manual piloting and increasing test condition repeatability. Moreover, to facilitate future modifications, the framework includes a library of Simulink modules including basic guidance and control modules, and makes available to the final user the possibility to use a simple procedure for efficiently and reliably generating embedded real time code to be deployed on the on-board HW. Finally, the functional architecture has been designed to be compatible with the highest levels of autonomy with the aim to be easily integrated with additional autonomous functions, so to support future UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) operations. This goal has been pursued by developing a modular and scalar architecture and by adding the capability to execute complex automatic functions based on a simple flight instruction list defined by the remote pilot or the ground operator. To this end, the developed programming meta-language would allow performing mission tasks with better efficiency and effectiveness. For supporting and referencing these activities, a specific state of art study on autonomy classification has been conducted as well