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The Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems

A cadet at the U.S. Air Force academy working on unmanned aircraft equipment.

The Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Research is hosted by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

The center’s research focuses on adding autonomy to UAS, to allow one operator to control multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that can autonomously search, find, identify, and track various targets. UAS serve as an excellent platform for cadets across various disciplines to conduct meaningful research supporting the warfighter.

CORE COMPETENCIES
  • Simulating and test flying autonomous algorithms for multiple UAVs
  • Sensor Fusion (EO, IR, RF) & Novel sensor integration
  • GPS-denied navigation
  • Sense and avoid path planning
  • Counter-UAS methods
  • Red-team swarms
MAJOR PROJECTS
  • Won the Boeing Tri-Service Autonomous MicroUAS Swarm Challenge, defeating USMA and USNA
  • Hosted a five University Counter-UAS demonstration at the USAFA
  • Developed Range-Sensor and Image-based Navigation for GPS denied environments
  • DARPA Service Academy Swarm Challenge Competition, a drone war fielding 25 autonomous USAFA UASs vs 25 USMA/ USNA UASs
CONTACT US

Lt Col Neil Rogers
neil.rogers@afacademy.af.edu