Urban Air Mobility Integration into the National Airspace System

The latest advances in air travel are centered around urban air mobility (UAM) and the use of autonomous air taxis for rapid travel within densely populated cities. This presents several problems that must be overcome, the foremost being the integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace system (NAS). The use of these […]

A New Users Perspective of ERAU’s Hub UAV Simulator

Unmanned aero systems are being developed at a rapid pace, this short development cycle can lead to human factors issues that may not be revealed until the unit enters service. To identify these issues early, simulation is the key. Embry’s Hub, an unmanned platform simulator, introduces the new user to the complexities of operating these […]

UAS HUMAN FACTORS

As technology advances, those that maintain and service them must be prepared for it, unmanned systems are proliferating and performing tasks that have historically been accomplished by humans. This blog serves as a repository of my work as I pursue my masters in unmanned systems. Perhaps one of the areas that requires the most research […]

Hybrid Power System for a Lighter Than Air Unmanned Vehicle

Abstract The following research investigates the use of multiple power sources for an unmanned blimp for extended operations. A blimp is unique for a long endurance platform as it does not require propulsion to remain aloft. Therefore, it fills a niche in low to medium altitude long endurance unmanned air vehicles. This ability can be […]

Investigating the use of Cellular Networks to act as a Distributed Command and Control of Unmanned Package Delivery Systems

Abstract The use of automated and unmanned package delivery systems is expanding in both the air and ground domains. Developing a separate infrastructure that can control them both is challenging and cost-prohibitive. This paper investigates the possibility of using established cellular networks to act as a pseudo-independent command and control system linked to a central […]

Identification Friend or Foe for Ground Forces

Abstract There is no doubt that autonomous armed combat platforms will be integrated into the ground forces of the world armies. The problem becomes how to identify friendly forces that will work in conjunction with the armed units to act as a force multiplier and to prevent identification counterfeiting by the opposing forces. This paper […]

International Nepotism and the Danger it Poses to Aviation Safety

Aviation was once touted as statistically the safest way to travel, not so much anymore. With the recent headlines of the 737 Max debacle and the ever deepening hole that is being dug as the authorities look into the scandal, we now know that this software problem and the “irregularities” in its development are […]

Investigating the Trends of Transport Category Maintenance Operations and its Effect on Aircraft Safety and Security

I wrote this back in 2016 as my capstone project for Embry Riddle. I am reposting it as recent headlines concerning aircraft maintenance have come to the forefront again. A good read for those looking to understand the current state of aircraft maintenance and how it came to be. Click to access carroll_capstone_final.pdf

Investigating the Possibility of Robotic Luggage Transportation in Airline Operations

Abstract This paper will investigate the feasibility and design considerations of autonomous luggage and cargo handling equipment to streamline operations, reduce manpower, and to increase safety in the vicinity of the aircraft during ground operations. Potential designs will be investigated including power sources, decision logic, and how these systems may be incorporated into the […]

The Largest Unmanned System in Operation

When unmanned systems or drones are mentioned the first thing that comes to mind is the hobby units or the ubiquitous Predator unmanned aircraft that are constantly mentioned in the news. What does not seem to be newsworthy but should be is that Rio Tinto Mining has put into operation one of the largest robotic […]