Gaussian Pseudospectral Longitudinal Trajectory Optimization Algorithm of a Solar Powered Communication/Remote-Sensing UAV

Existing empirical rules-based flight scheme of the solar powered communication/remote-sensing UAV is difficult to meet all the constraints. In order to get a more reasonable flight strategy, the flight path must be optimized globally. The design of solar energy flow track is defined and analyzed mathematically. The track optimization of the solar UAV is defined as a classical control optimization problem. The optimal trajectory of solar UAV is designed and verified by Gaussian pseudospectral method. Multiple simulation conclusions show that the optimized trajectory can meet the set constraints well.