A Model-Oriented Framework for UAV Requirements Definition and Mission Simulation

Abstract

This paper presents a simulation-based framework for enhancing the definition and management of requirements in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) development programs. The framework employs simulation techniques to model and validate mission-specific operational scenarios, aligning high-level requirements with stakeholder needs and mission objectives. Utilizing the SELT model as a descriptive aid, the framework enables visualization of subsystem interactions and iterative refinement of validated requirements. Key contributions include the framework's architecture, its application in mission simulations, and its capability to generalize requirements across UAV missions. A case study on forest monitoring illustrates the framework's utility, showcasing simulation outputs, validated requirements, and operational Concepts of Operations (ConOps). Results demonstrate the framework's potential to streamline UAV design processes, improve stakeholder communication, and accelerate system development cycles, paving the way for further exploration of modular UAV systems and collaborative robotics in Industry 5.0 applications.