Real-Time UAV Simulation for Severe Weather and Wildfire Operations

UAV Dynamics and Control

JSBSim-based and in-house flight dynamics models for fixed-wing and multi-rotor vehicles, with manual and SCAS-assisted control loops.

Weather and Wildfire Disturbance

Scenario generation with real weather fields, wind shear, gusts, and wildfire disturbance overlays for pilot training and algorithm stress tests.

SITL and HIL Ready

Closed-loop interfaces for real UAV controllers and mission systems, enabling software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop validation.

CZU Wildfire Case (Aug 16-20, 2020)

Real map and wildfire data are used to test UAV aerodynamics and control robustness in low-visibility operations.

Anchorage High-Wind Case (Dec 15, 2025)

High-wind terrain scenarios are used to assess drift, stability margins, and controller performance under 5-10 m/s warning-level conditions.