This book presents several robust sliding mode protocols for achieving the formation and tracking of Quadcopter swarm for a given pattern. In entire book, the concept of leader-follower formation control of a multi-agent system is exploited for deriving the protocols and the graph theory is used to represent the communication between the Quadcopters. The book covers two types of formation protocols of the Quadcopter swarm namely, continuous-time sliding mode protocols and discrete-time sliding mode protocols. First, the continuous-time higher order sliding mode protocols using super-twisting algorithm are designed for formation using linear and non-linear models of Quadcopter. Then, the discrete-time sliding mode protocols using power rate reaching law, discrete-time super twisting algorithm, and exponential reaching law are presented. The protocols are thoroughly analysed for robustness, chattering, control effort, and convergence time for achieving the formation. Also, the stability conditions using the Lyapunov function are derived to ensure the stability of the swarm with each protocol. Further, each chapter includes extensive simulation and comparative studies to show the efficacy of each protocol. The book will be useful to graduate students, research scholars, and professionals working in the domain of civilian and military usage of the drone technology.

The amalgamation of artificial intelligence (AI), optimization techniques, and blockchain is revolutionizing how to conceptualize, design, and operate aerospace systems. While optimization techniques are pivotal in streamlining aerospace processes, security challenges have recently surfaced. AI and Blockchain Optimization Techniques in Aerospace Engineering delves into the transformative impact of technologies on various facets of the aerospace industry, offering a multidimensional solution to overcome security concerns and enhance the overall efficiency of aerospace systems The book explores how machine learning reshapes aerospace systems by automating complex tasks through self/reinforced learning methods. From air traffic data analysis to flight scheduling, geographical information, and navigation, machine learning has become an indispensable tool, offering valuable insights that enhance aerospace operations. Simultaneously, blockchain technology, with its inherent characteristics of decentralization and tamper-proof ledgers, ensures transparency, accountability, and security in transactions, providing an innovative approach to data integrity and system resilience. Designed for technology development professionals, academicians, data scientists, industrial experts, researchers, and students, the book offers a panoramic view of the latest innovations in the field.

This book features the latest theoretical results and techniques in the field of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) of vehicles and aircraft. It covers a range of topics, including, but not limited to, intelligent computing communication and control; new methods of navigation, estimation, and tracking; control of multiple moving objects; manned and autonomous unmanned systems; guidance, navigation, and control of miniature aircraft; and sensor systems for guidance, navigation, and control. Presenting recent advances in the form of illustrations, tables, and text, it also provides detailed information of a number of the studies, to offer readers insights for their own research. In addition, the book addresses fundamental concepts and studies in the development of GNC, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and researchers wanting to further their understanding of guidance, navigation, and control.

This book is the first textbook specially on multicopter systems in the world. It provides a comprehensive overview of multicopter systems, rather than focusing on a single method or technique. The fifteen chapters are divided into five parts, covering the topics of multicopter design, modeling, state estimation, control, and decision-making. It differs from other books in the field in three major respects: it is basic and practical, offering self-contained content and presenting hands-on methods; it is comprehensive and systematic; and it is timely. It is also closely related to the autopilot that users often employ today and provides insights into the code employed. As such, it offers a valuable resource for anyone interested in multicopters, including students, teachers, researchers, and engineers. This introductory text is a welcome addition to the literature on multicopter design and control, on which the author is an acknowledged authority. The book is directed to advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students in aeronautical and control (or electrical) engineering, as well as to multicopter designers and hobbyists. ------- Professor W. Murray Wonham, University of Toronto "This is the single best introduction to multicopter control. Clear, comprehensive and progressing from basic principles to advanced techniques, it's a must read for anyone hoping to learn how to design flying robots." ------- Chris Anderson, 3D Robotics CEO.

Approach your problems from the right end It isn't that they can't see the solution. It is and begin with the answers. Then one day, that they can't see the problem. perhaps you will find the final question. G. K. Chesterton. The Scandal of Father 'The Hermit Clad in Crane Feathers' in R. Brown 'The point of a Pin'. van Gulik's The Chinese Maze Murders. Growing specialization and diversification have brought a host of monographs and textbooks on increasingly specialized topics. However, the "tree" of knowledge of mathematics and related fields does not grow only by putting forth new branches. It also happens, quite often in fact, that branches which were thought to be completely disparate are suddenly seen to be related. Further, the kind and level of sophistication of mathematics applied in various sciences has changed drastically in recent years: measure theory is used (non-trivially) in regional and theoretical economics; algebraic geometry interacts with physics; the Minkowsky lemma, coding theory and the structure of water meet one another in packing and covering theory; quantum fields, crystal defects and mathematical programming profit from homotopy theory; Lie algebras are relevant to filtering; and prediction and electrical engineering can use Stein spaces. And in addition to this there are such new emerging subdisciplines as "experimental mathematics", "CFD", "completely integrable systems", "chaos, synergetics and large-scale order", which are almost impossible to fit into the existing classification schemes. They draw upon widely different sections of mathematics.

Dr. Greg Zacharias, former Chief Scientist of the United States Air Force (2015-18), explores next steps in autonomous systems (AS) development, fielding, and training. Rapid advances in AS development and artificial intelligence (AI) research will change how we think about machines, whether they are individual vehicle platforms or networked enterprises. The payoff will be considerable, affording the US military significant protection for aviators, greater effectiveness in employment, and unlimited opportunities for novel and disruptive concepts of operations. Autonomous Horizons: The Way Forward identifies issues and makes recommendations for the Air Force to take full advantage of this transformational technology.