Online trajectory generation using clothoid segments

Volker Schneider, Patrick Piprek, Simon P. Schatz, Thaddaus Baier, Christoph Dorhofer, Markus Hochstrasser, Agnes Gabrys, Erik Karlsson, Christoph Krause, Patrick J. Lauffs, Nils C. Mumm, Kajetan Nurnberger, Lars Peter, Philip Spiegel, Lukas Steinert, Alexander W. Zollitsch, Florian Holzapfel

Abstract: In this paper, a trajectory generation algorithm within an integrated flight guidance and control system is presented. The approach uses clothoids to deal with the problem of curvature steps during the transition phase between straight line and arc flight. The algorithm is designed in interaction with a trajectory controller for 2 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">nd</sup> order error dynamics, which hence requires more trajectory information than a conventional approach. The presented test results were obtained via in-flight tests with an experimental CS 23 aircraft.