Vision Algorithms for Formation Flight and Aerial Refuelling, with Optimal Marker Labelling

This paper presents the experimental results of an artificial vision system prototype for application to unmanned formation flight and aerial refueling. In the former, a camera on the wingman captures leader images, estimating the relative position; in a the latter, using probe-and-drogue refueling, the aircraft camera acquires basket images, and from that estimating the relative position. Position estimation is based on localization of infrared markers which have a known geometry distribution over the leader airframe or drogue body. Experimental results using a low cost simulated formation flight setup are shown, to validate the procedure.