Circular Take-Off and Landing of Tethered Aircraft with Variable Tether Length
摘要
The article addresses the development of an automatic take-off and landing (ATOL) framework for a self-propelled, fixed-wing, tethered aircraft. The ATOL is performed with a circular trajectory defined by the tether length and the central anchorage point. A control architecture for ATOL is proposed, with controllers designed for each flight phase, focusing on the variable tether length during the ascending mode. The simulation shows promising results, with the kite being able to elevate and increase the tether length. These developments are intended for use in an Airborne Wind Energy System.