Reconnaissance Unmanned Aircraft Automation Improvements

The software designed guides the unmanned aircraft on a 3D flight path to a predetermined location while avoiding threat zones defined by the user. The flight path is optimally generated using the A* algorithm and executed using the Ardupilot open source flight-control software. During flights, the unmanned aircraft capture and record live photos and videos of the mission. The system also gathers statistical data, such as coordinates, altitude, and size of and distance from the area of interest.The software generates a mission report that provides images of the area of interest along with statistical data about the location. These mission reports are generated using SOCET GXP, developed by BAE Systems. This data is cataloged in an online database using Amazon Web Service S3, from which a user can search and filter for more specific results. The graphical user interface for the program is completed using Node.js and Electron, an open-source framework for creating desktop applications.