Calculation Method for Air Data Based on UKF with Information from INS and FADS

In this paper, the design and validation of an air data system algorithm for estimating the angle of attack and sideslip are presented. To reduce estimation error and improve system performance, the algorithm should deliver accurate output. The method uses a flush air data sensing system (FADS) model composed of aircraft surface air pressure and an inertial navigation system (INS) model within an unscented Kalman filter (UKF) framework. UKF uses inertial system measurements of Euler angles, body rates, body accelerations, and a measurement of dynamic pressure to form estimates. After simulations and comparison of results, this technique reduces errors in aircraft estimates of air data and improves survivability as well as reliability.