ARVL Experience

Virtual accident investigation in Embry-Riddle's Virtual Lab.

In this week’s module of my Human Factors in Unmanned Aerospace Systems class, we were introduced to a desktop application called ERAU Hub, also referred to as ARVL. This software, specifically built for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, allows users to build and virtually fly UAS and investigate a Boeing 737 crash site as an investigator. Our class focused on the UAS portion of the software. In the Assembly Lab, the user can choose between several models of fixed-wing or rotor-wing UAV, configure them with a wide range of options, select a GCS, and fly one of three missions. Below we will cover UAS design, performance, and mission.

UAS Design

Choosing the correct type of UAS for a mission is critical for the successful completion of that mission. Just because a mission requires an unmanned system, doesn't mean that any unmanned system will be sufficient. For a mission that requires an aircraft with long endurance, you could choose a large fixed wing aircraft with a gas powered motor. For a mission that requires navigation of small, tight spaces, you could choose a nimble, electric powered quadcopter. In the ARVL software, we were able to choose from three fixed-wing and five rotor-wing aircraft. Ultimately, the Search and Rescue (SAR) mission would require a gas powered rotor-wing aircraft.

Performance

In my ARVL experience, performance was another critical factor in the successful completion of a mission. In my two examples above, a long endurance mission would traditionally cover long distances where the GCS and UAV may be separated by a great distance. In this case you would need a large, trailer-sized GCS. For a nearby mission where great range isn’t needed, a small handheld unit would suffice. For my SAR mission, I chose the GCS trailer since the aircraft would be flying several hundreds of meters away from the launch point. Communications range and endurance were the most important performance metrics in my study.

Mission

As discussed in the UAS design and performance sections, both elements are calibrated for the mission at hand. In the ARVL software, three missions exist: SAR of a lost hiker in Yosemite, an agriculture survey, and investigation of a 737 crash site. For the other missions I potentially would have chosen another UAV with different sensors, payloads, power sources, and GCS. My mission was clear, but choosing the correct UAS was based on trial and error. Ultimately I was successful in finding the missing hiker.