Applications of payload directed flight

Next generation aviation flight control concepts require autonomous and intelligent control system architectures that close control loops directly around payload sensors in manner more integrated and cohesive that in traditional autopilot designs. Research into payload and sensor directed flight control at NASA Ames Research Center is investigating new and novel architectures that can satisfy the requirements for next generation control and automation concepts for aviation. Tighter integration between sensor and machine require the definition of specific sensor directed control modes to tie the sensor data directly into a vehicle control structures throughout the entire control architecture, from low-level stability and control loops, to higher level mission planning and scheduling reasoning systems. Payload directed flight system provide guidance, navigation, and control for vehicle platforms hosting a suite of onboard payload sensors, performing missions that require observation of external partially observable systems or phenomena. This paper outlines related research into the field of payload directed flight, and outlines requirements and operating concepts for payload directed flight systems based on identified needs from the scientific literature.