Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are gaining momentum in many civil and military sectors. An example is represented by the logistics sector, where UAVs have been proven to be able to improve the efficiency of the process itself, as their cooperation with trucks can decrease the delivery time and reduce fuel consumption. In this paper, we first state a mathematical formulation of the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) applied to logistic routing, where a truck cooperates synchronously with multiple UAVs for parcel delivery. Then, we propose, implement, and compare different sub-optimal routing approaches to the formulated mFSTSP (multiple Flying Sidekick Travelling Salesman Problem) since the inherent combinatorial computational complexity of the problem makes it unattractable for commercial Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) solvers. A local search algorithm, two hybrid genetic algorithms that permutate feasible and infeasible solutions, and an alternative ad-hoc greedy method are evaluated in terms of the total delivery time of the output schedule. For the sake of the evaluation, the savings in terms of delivery time over the well-documented truck-only TSP solution are investigated for each proposed routing solution, and this is repeated for two different scenarios. Monte Carlo simulations corroborate the results.

In an efficient aerial package delivery scenario carried out by multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), a task allocation problem has to be formulated and solved in order to select the most suitable assignment for each delivery task. This paper presents the development methodology of an evolutionary-based optimization framework designed to tackle a specific formulation of a Drone Delivery Problem (DDP) with charging hubs. The proposed evolutionary-based optimization framework is based on a double-chromosome task encoding logic. The goal of the algorithm is to find optimal (and feasible) UAV task assignments such that (i) the tasks’ due dates are met, (ii) an energy consumption model is minimized, (iii) re-charge tasks are allocated to ensure service persistency, (iv) risk-aware flyable paths are included in the paradigm. Hard and soft constraints are defined such that the optimizer can also tackle very demanding instances of the DDP, such as tens of package delivery tasks with random temporal deadlines. Simulation results show how the algorithm’s development methodology influences the capability of the UAVs to be assigned to different tasks with different temporal constraints. Monte Carlo simulations corroborate the results for two different realistic scenarios in the city of Turin, Italy.

The decentralized estimation and tracking of a mobile target performed by a group of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is studied in this work. A flocking protocol is used for maintaining a collision-free formation, while a decentralized extended Kalman filter in the information form is employed to provide an estimate of the target state. In the prediction step of the filter, we adopt and compare three different models for the target motion with increasing levels of complexity, namely, a constant velocity (CV), a constant turn (CT), and a full-state (FS) model. Software-in-the-loop (SITL) simulations are conducted in ROS/Gazebo to compare the performance of the three models. The coupling between the formation and estimation tasks is evaluated since the tracking task is affected by the outcome of the estimation process.

Content of this professional article is to describe ground handling processes at the airport in Košice. The main goal is to optimize ground handling with an emphasis on their efficiency not only from the point of view of the range and quality of services provided, but also their correct timing. At the beginning of the article, I describe ground support equipments as well as all related activities that must be performed by handling workers to ensure the smooth operation of the airport and the satisfaction of air carriers, including their passengers. Part of the work is the analysis of technical parameters and functionalities of the equipment and technologies used on apron. The next part is devoted to the description and analysis of the system of ground handling at Košice airport. The last part will belong to the issue of process improvement with the identification of proposed changes leading to more efficient ground handling.

The following article is announcing author analysis of EASA Part 147 regulation and its application for the creation of the Maintenance Training Organization under Aviation Training and Educational Centre (ATEC), and Air Transport Department (ATD) in the University of Žilina (UNIZA). Introduction of article includes main targets and methodology of its processing. In the beginning of the work, it deals with theoretical outcomes derived from current regulations relevant to Part 147 with corresponding Applicable Means of Compliance (AMC) which brings essential basics of the MTO. The main part consequently elaborates substantial chapters with direct overview of conditions and requirements to be fulfilled by personnel, environment and full scope of manuals and procedures included in the facilities of UNIZA located in the Airport Žilina. Upon current (existing) conditions it identifies all requirements to be implemented in MTO to satisfy its initial audit and certification. To the most practical outcome of this article belongs MTO manual processed in line with all regulations and their local implementation on the ATEC and ATD environmentincluding training modules and training conditions for on job training itself. In the final chapter there are instructions and recommendations for MTO development as well sustainability of the processes to satisfy also the students' knowledge, skills and abilities for their future transport Authority examination and also for their successful applicability in practice.

This article focuses on the current situation in the aviation industry in relation to environmental trends. In the introductory part, the situation on the aviation fuel market, their production and their current price is presented, while the emphasis is on familiarization with a more ecological form of traditional fossil fuels, namely sustainable aviation fuel. The reader is informed about the current situation in connection with emissions and greenhouse gases produced by air transport and the effort to reduce them and in the future their complete elimination. The second part presents the approach of aviation authorities such as EASA, FAA and ICAO, as well as their goals for reducing emissions and greenhouse gases and current projects for sustainable aviation. The article focuses on the implementation of sustainable aviation fuel in aviation and the issues associated with its use. The third part deals with the latest projects of aircraft and power units manufacturers. Other strategies such as CORSIA and ETS are presented, as well as climate conferences dealing with this issue. We point out the different approaches of countries in connection with the issue of reducing emissions. In the conclusion, we will evaluate the current situation with the economy and ecology in aviation from a global point of view, the actions of the authorities, manufacturers and point out the shortcomings.