3D path planning in a threat environment

Abstract

We address optimal path planning in three dimensional space for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the stationary risk environment. We separate the task into two stage, in the first one we determine the risk optimal 2D path for fixed time problem. Then we solve the series of BVPs (Boundary Value Problems) with different UAV speeds and determine the admissible 2D path, which satisfies the time and risk constraints. In the last step one takes into account the relief along the chosen path and determine the approximated 3D path, which minimizes 2D threat along the path and satisfies other constraints.