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Aircraft Navigation in GNSS-Denied Environments via Radio SLAM With Terrestrial Signals of Opportunity | IEEE Journals & Magazine | IEEE Xplore

Aircraft Navigation in GNSS-Denied Environments via Radio SLAM With Terrestrial Signals of Opportunity


Abstract:

A radio simultaneous localization and mapping (radio SLAM) framework enabling aircraft navigation with terrestrial signals of opportunity (SOPs) is presented and experime...Show More

Abstract:

A radio simultaneous localization and mapping (radio SLAM) framework enabling aircraft navigation with terrestrial signals of opportunity (SOPs) is presented and experimentally validated. The framework does not assume availability of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals. Instead, it assumes the aircraft to have an initial estimate of its own states, after which it navigates by exploiting pseudorange measurements extracted from terrestrial SOPs, while estimating the states of the aircraft simultaneously with the SOPs’ states. Two radio SLAM frameworks are presented: (i) tightly-coupled SOP-aided inertial navigation system (INS) and (ii) utilizing a Wiener process acceleration (WPA) dynamical model for the aircraft’s dynamics instead of the INS. Results from four flight runs on a US Air Force C-12 aircraft, equipped with an altimeter and an industrial-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU), are presented. The flight runs took place over semi-urban (SU), urban (U), and rural (R) regions in California, USA; while exercising different aircraft maneuvers: holding (H), descending (D), and grid (G). Different a priori conditions of the SOPs’ positions were studied: from all unknown, to some known, to all known. In all cases, the SOPs’ clock error states (bias and drift) were unknown and estimated alongside the aircraft’s states. The results consistently demonstrated the promise of real-world aircraft navigation via radio SLAM, yielding bounded errors along trajectories of tens of kilometers. The three-dimensional (3–D) position root-mean squared errors (RMSEs) are summarized next, where N denotes the number of SOPs exploited along the trajectory: (1) SU, H, INS-SOP, N=6 , 56.7 km in 8.5 minutes, maximum altitude of 5,577 ft: 43.27 m with all unknown and 10.14 m with all known; (2) U, H, INS-SOP, N=6 , 72.7 km in 12.9 minutes, maximum altitude of 5,906 ft: 89.82 m with all unknown and 16.97 m with all known; (3) SU, D, WPA-SOP, N=18 , 111.9 km in 20.0 mi...
Published in: IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems ( Volume: 25, Issue: 10, October 2024)
Page(s): 14164 - 14182
Date of Publication: 20 June 2024

ISSN Information:

Funding Agency:

Author image of Zaher M. Kassas
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
Zaher (Zak) M. Kassas (Fellow, IEEE) received the B.E. degree (Hons.) in electrical engineering from Lebanese American University, the M.S. degree in electrical and computer engineering from The Ohio State University, and the M.S.E. degree in aerospace engineering and the Ph.D. degree in electrical and computer engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. He is currently the TRC Endowed Chair of Intelligent Transpo...Show More
Zaher (Zak) M. Kassas (Fellow, IEEE) received the B.E. degree (Hons.) in electrical engineering from Lebanese American University, the M.S. degree in electrical and computer engineering from The Ohio State University, and the M.S.E. degree in aerospace engineering and the Ph.D. degree in electrical and computer engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. He is currently the TRC Endowed Chair of Intelligent Transpo...View more
Author image of Nadim Khairallah
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
Nadim Khairallah received the B.E. degree (Hons.) in mechanical engineering from American University of Beirut and the M.S. degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of California at Irvine. His research interests include satellite-based opportunistic navigation, sensor fusion, and estimation theory. He was a member of the ASPIN Laboratory. He was a recipient of the 2022 U.S. Department of Transpo...Show More
Nadim Khairallah received the B.E. degree (Hons.) in mechanical engineering from American University of Beirut and the M.S. degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of California at Irvine. His research interests include satellite-based opportunistic navigation, sensor fusion, and estimation theory. He was a member of the ASPIN Laboratory. He was a recipient of the 2022 U.S. Department of Transpo...View more
Author image of Joe J. Khalife
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
Joe J. Khalife (Member, IEEE) received the B.E. degree in electrical engineering and the M.S. degree in computer engineering from Lebanese American University and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California at Irvine. He was a Post-Doctoral Fellow with the University of California at Irvine and a member of the ASPIN Laboratory. He was a recipient of 2016 IEEE/ION Posit...Show More
Joe J. Khalife (Member, IEEE) received the B.E. degree in electrical engineering and the M.S. degree in computer engineering from Lebanese American University and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California at Irvine. He was a Post-Doctoral Fellow with the University of California at Irvine and a member of the ASPIN Laboratory. He was a recipient of 2016 IEEE/ION Posit...View more
Author image of Chiawei Lee
Test Pilot School, U.S. Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, CA, USA
Chiawei Lee received the B.S. degree in aerospace engineering from the University of California at Los Angeles and the M.S. degree in aero/astro engineering from Stanford University. He is currently an Assistant Professor and an Instructor Flight Test Engineer with U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He is also the Test Management Program Director, where he oversees about a dozen student and staff led flight test projects e...Show More
Chiawei Lee received the B.S. degree in aerospace engineering from the University of California at Los Angeles and the M.S. degree in aero/astro engineering from Stanford University. He is currently an Assistant Professor and an Instructor Flight Test Engineer with U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He is also the Test Management Program Director, where he oversees about a dozen student and staff led flight test projects e...View more
Author image of Juan Jurado
Test Pilot School, U.S. Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, CA, USA
Juan Jurado (Member, IEEE) received the B.S. degree from Texas A&M University, the M.S. degree from the Air Force Test Pilot School, and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He is currently a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and the Director of Education with U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. Previously, he was the Director of Engineering with the 413th Flight Test Squadron and oversaw v...Show More
Juan Jurado (Member, IEEE) received the B.S. degree from Texas A&M University, the M.S. degree from the Air Force Test Pilot School, and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He is currently a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and the Director of Education with U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. Previously, he was the Director of Engineering with the 413th Flight Test Squadron and oversaw v...View more
Author image of Steven Wachtel
Test Pilot School, U.S. Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, CA, USA
Steven Wachtel received the B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from The Ohio State University, the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, and the M.S. degree in systems engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He is currently a U.S. Air Force Captian and a Flight Test Engineer, assigned to the 780th Test Squadron, Eglin AFB, FL, USA.
Steven Wachtel received the B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from The Ohio State University, the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, and the M.S. degree in systems engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He is currently a U.S. Air Force Captian and a Flight Test Engineer, assigned to the 780th Test Squadron, Eglin AFB, FL, USA.View more
Author image of Jacob Duede
Test Pilot School, U.S. Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, CA, USA
Jacob Duede received the B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from U.S. Air Force Academy, the degree from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, Edwards Air Force Base, CA, USA, the M.S. degree in engineering from the University of Arkansas, and the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from Air University. He is currently a Major with U.S. Air Force. He was trained as a Communication/Navigation/Mission Systems Apprentice o...Show More
Jacob Duede received the B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from U.S. Air Force Academy, the degree from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, Edwards Air Force Base, CA, USA, the M.S. degree in engineering from the University of Arkansas, and the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from Air University. He is currently a Major with U.S. Air Force. He was trained as a Communication/Navigation/Mission Systems Apprentice o...View more
Author image of Zachary Hoeffner
Test Pilot School, U.S. Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, CA, USA
Zachary Hoeffner received the B.S. degree in nuclear engineering from U.S. Air Force Academy, the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, the M.S. degree in physics engineering and in applied physics and the M.S. degree in nuclear engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He is currently a Flight Test Engineer with U.S. Air Force.
Zachary Hoeffner received the B.S. degree in nuclear engineering from U.S. Air Force Academy, the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, the M.S. degree in physics engineering and in applied physics and the M.S. degree in nuclear engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He is currently a Flight Test Engineer with U.S. Air Force.View more
Author image of Thomas Hulsey
Test Pilot School, U.S. Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, CA, USA
Thomas Hulsey received the B.S. degree in aerospace engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology, the M.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and the M.S. degree in experimental flight test engineering from the United States Air Force Test Pilot School. He is currently a U.S. Air Force Flight Commander in operations engineering.
Thomas Hulsey received the B.S. degree in aerospace engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology, the M.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and the M.S. degree in experimental flight test engineering from the United States Air Force Test Pilot School. He is currently a U.S. Air Force Flight Commander in operations engineering.View more
Author image of Rachel Quirarte
Test Pilot School, U.S. Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, CA, USA
Rachel Quirarte received the B.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from U.S. Air Force Academy, the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, and the M.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Rice University. She is currently a KC-46 and KC-135 Programmatic Flight Commander and a Test Pilot with the 418th Flight Test Squadron, U.S. Air Force.
Rachel Quirarte received the B.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from U.S. Air Force Academy, the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, and the M.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Rice University. She is currently a KC-46 and KC-135 Programmatic Flight Commander and a Test Pilot with the 418th Flight Test Squadron, U.S. Air Force.View more
Author image of RunXuan Tay
Republic of Singapore Air Force, 550 Airport Road, Singapore
RunXuan Tay received the B.S. degree in electrical engineering from the University California at San Diego and the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He is currently a Test Pilot with the Air Warfare Center, Republic of Singapore Air Force, where he works on fixed wing test programs.
RunXuan Tay received the B.S. degree in electrical engineering from the University California at San Diego and the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He is currently a Test Pilot with the Air Warfare Center, Republic of Singapore Air Force, where he works on fixed wing test programs.View more

Author image of Zaher M. Kassas
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
Zaher (Zak) M. Kassas (Fellow, IEEE) received the B.E. degree (Hons.) in electrical engineering from Lebanese American University, the M.S. degree in electrical and computer engineering from The Ohio State University, and the M.S.E. degree in aerospace engineering and the Ph.D. degree in electrical and computer engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. He is currently the TRC Endowed Chair of Intelligent Transportation Systems and a Professor in electrical and computer engineering at The Ohio State University. He is also the Director of the Autonomous Systems Perception, Intelligence, and Navigation (ASPIN) Laboratory as well as the Director of U.S. Department of Transportation Center: Center for Automated Vehicle Research with Multimodal AssuEd Navigation (CARMEN), focusing on navigation resiliency and security of highly automated transportation systems. His research interests include cyber-physical systems, navigation systems, and intelligent transportation systems. He is a fellow of the Institute of Navigation (ION) and a Distinguished Lecturer of the IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society. He was a recipient of the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award, Office of Naval Research (ONR) Young Investigator Program (YIP) Award, Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) YIP Award, IEEE Walter Fried Award, ION Samuel Burka Award, ION Colonel Thomas Thurlow Award, and IEEE Harry Rowe Mimno Award. He is a Senior Editor of IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems and an Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems.
Zaher (Zak) M. Kassas (Fellow, IEEE) received the B.E. degree (Hons.) in electrical engineering from Lebanese American University, the M.S. degree in electrical and computer engineering from The Ohio State University, and the M.S.E. degree in aerospace engineering and the Ph.D. degree in electrical and computer engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. He is currently the TRC Endowed Chair of Intelligent Transportation Systems and a Professor in electrical and computer engineering at The Ohio State University. He is also the Director of the Autonomous Systems Perception, Intelligence, and Navigation (ASPIN) Laboratory as well as the Director of U.S. Department of Transportation Center: Center for Automated Vehicle Research with Multimodal AssuEd Navigation (CARMEN), focusing on navigation resiliency and security of highly automated transportation systems. His research interests include cyber-physical systems, navigation systems, and intelligent transportation systems. He is a fellow of the Institute of Navigation (ION) and a Distinguished Lecturer of the IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society. He was a recipient of the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award, Office of Naval Research (ONR) Young Investigator Program (YIP) Award, Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) YIP Award, IEEE Walter Fried Award, ION Samuel Burka Award, ION Colonel Thomas Thurlow Award, and IEEE Harry Rowe Mimno Award. He is a Senior Editor of IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems and an Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems.View more
Author image of Nadim Khairallah
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
Nadim Khairallah received the B.E. degree (Hons.) in mechanical engineering from American University of Beirut and the M.S. degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of California at Irvine. His research interests include satellite-based opportunistic navigation, sensor fusion, and estimation theory. He was a member of the ASPIN Laboratory. He was a recipient of the 2022 U.S. Department of Transportation Graduate Student of the Year Award and 2022 IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference Best Student Paper Award.
Nadim Khairallah received the B.E. degree (Hons.) in mechanical engineering from American University of Beirut and the M.S. degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of California at Irvine. His research interests include satellite-based opportunistic navigation, sensor fusion, and estimation theory. He was a member of the ASPIN Laboratory. He was a recipient of the 2022 U.S. Department of Transportation Graduate Student of the Year Award and 2022 IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference Best Student Paper Award.View more
Author image of Joe J. Khalife
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
Joe J. Khalife (Member, IEEE) received the B.E. degree in electrical engineering and the M.S. degree in computer engineering from Lebanese American University and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California at Irvine. He was a Post-Doctoral Fellow with the University of California at Irvine and a member of the ASPIN Laboratory. He was a recipient of 2016 IEEE/ION Position, Location, and Navigation Symposium (PLANS) Best Student Paper Award, 2018 IEEE Walter Fried Award, and 2021 IEEE AESS Robert T. Hill Best Dissertation Award.
Joe J. Khalife (Member, IEEE) received the B.E. degree in electrical engineering and the M.S. degree in computer engineering from Lebanese American University and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California at Irvine. He was a Post-Doctoral Fellow with the University of California at Irvine and a member of the ASPIN Laboratory. He was a recipient of 2016 IEEE/ION Position, Location, and Navigation Symposium (PLANS) Best Student Paper Award, 2018 IEEE Walter Fried Award, and 2021 IEEE AESS Robert T. Hill Best Dissertation Award.View more
Author image of Chiawei Lee
Test Pilot School, U.S. Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, CA, USA
Chiawei Lee received the B.S. degree in aerospace engineering from the University of California at Los Angeles and the M.S. degree in aero/astro engineering from Stanford University. He is currently an Assistant Professor and an Instructor Flight Test Engineer with U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He is also the Test Management Program Director, where he oversees about a dozen student and staff led flight test projects each year. In addition, he is the Chief Test Safety Officer responsible for the safe execution of curriculum and flight test project safety packages.
Chiawei Lee received the B.S. degree in aerospace engineering from the University of California at Los Angeles and the M.S. degree in aero/astro engineering from Stanford University. He is currently an Assistant Professor and an Instructor Flight Test Engineer with U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He is also the Test Management Program Director, where he oversees about a dozen student and staff led flight test projects each year. In addition, he is the Chief Test Safety Officer responsible for the safe execution of curriculum and flight test project safety packages.View more
Author image of Juan Jurado
Test Pilot School, U.S. Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, CA, USA
Juan Jurado (Member, IEEE) received the B.S. degree from Texas A&M University, the M.S. degree from the Air Force Test Pilot School, and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He is currently a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and the Director of Education with U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. Previously, he was the Director of Engineering with the 413th Flight Test Squadron and oversaw various C-130, V-22, and H-1 flight test programs. His research interests include aircraft performance modeling, online sensor calibration, image processing, and multi-sensor navigation.
Juan Jurado (Member, IEEE) received the B.S. degree from Texas A&M University, the M.S. degree from the Air Force Test Pilot School, and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He is currently a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and the Director of Education with U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. Previously, he was the Director of Engineering with the 413th Flight Test Squadron and oversaw various C-130, V-22, and H-1 flight test programs. His research interests include aircraft performance modeling, online sensor calibration, image processing, and multi-sensor navigation.View more
Author image of Steven Wachtel
Test Pilot School, U.S. Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, CA, USA
Steven Wachtel received the B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from The Ohio State University, the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, and the M.S. degree in systems engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He is currently a U.S. Air Force Captian and a Flight Test Engineer, assigned to the 780th Test Squadron, Eglin AFB, FL, USA.
Steven Wachtel received the B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from The Ohio State University, the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, and the M.S. degree in systems engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He is currently a U.S. Air Force Captian and a Flight Test Engineer, assigned to the 780th Test Squadron, Eglin AFB, FL, USA.View more
Author image of Jacob Duede
Test Pilot School, U.S. Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, CA, USA
Jacob Duede received the B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from U.S. Air Force Academy, the degree from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, Edwards Air Force Base, CA, USA, the M.S. degree in engineering from the University of Arkansas, and the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from Air University. He is currently a Major with U.S. Air Force. He was trained as a Communication/Navigation/Mission Systems Apprentice on C-17 Globmaster II aircraft. He is also a Senior Pilot with over 2 000 hours.
Jacob Duede received the B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from U.S. Air Force Academy, the degree from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, Edwards Air Force Base, CA, USA, the M.S. degree in engineering from the University of Arkansas, and the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from Air University. He is currently a Major with U.S. Air Force. He was trained as a Communication/Navigation/Mission Systems Apprentice on C-17 Globmaster II aircraft. He is also a Senior Pilot with over 2 000 hours.View more
Author image of Zachary Hoeffner
Test Pilot School, U.S. Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, CA, USA
Zachary Hoeffner received the B.S. degree in nuclear engineering from U.S. Air Force Academy, the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, the M.S. degree in physics engineering and in applied physics and the M.S. degree in nuclear engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He is currently a Flight Test Engineer with U.S. Air Force.
Zachary Hoeffner received the B.S. degree in nuclear engineering from U.S. Air Force Academy, the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, the M.S. degree in physics engineering and in applied physics and the M.S. degree in nuclear engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He is currently a Flight Test Engineer with U.S. Air Force.View more
Author image of Thomas Hulsey
Test Pilot School, U.S. Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, CA, USA
Thomas Hulsey received the B.S. degree in aerospace engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology, the M.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and the M.S. degree in experimental flight test engineering from the United States Air Force Test Pilot School. He is currently a U.S. Air Force Flight Commander in operations engineering.
Thomas Hulsey received the B.S. degree in aerospace engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology, the M.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and the M.S. degree in experimental flight test engineering from the United States Air Force Test Pilot School. He is currently a U.S. Air Force Flight Commander in operations engineering.View more
Author image of Rachel Quirarte
Test Pilot School, U.S. Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, CA, USA
Rachel Quirarte received the B.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from U.S. Air Force Academy, the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, and the M.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Rice University. She is currently a KC-46 and KC-135 Programmatic Flight Commander and a Test Pilot with the 418th Flight Test Squadron, U.S. Air Force.
Rachel Quirarte received the B.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from U.S. Air Force Academy, the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, and the M.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Rice University. She is currently a KC-46 and KC-135 Programmatic Flight Commander and a Test Pilot with the 418th Flight Test Squadron, U.S. Air Force.View more
Author image of RunXuan Tay
Republic of Singapore Air Force, 550 Airport Road, Singapore
RunXuan Tay received the B.S. degree in electrical engineering from the University California at San Diego and the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He is currently a Test Pilot with the Air Warfare Center, Republic of Singapore Air Force, where he works on fixed wing test programs.
RunXuan Tay received the B.S. degree in electrical engineering from the University California at San Diego and the M.S. degree in flight test engineering from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He is currently a Test Pilot with the Air Warfare Center, Republic of Singapore Air Force, where he works on fixed wing test programs.View more

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