Kathy Mullens
Papers
1
Total Citations
10
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Kathy Mullens is a pioneering researcher in the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) autonomy, with a specialized focus on vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) systems and ground-based support infrastructure. Her most notable contribution, the development of an Automated UAV Mission System (AUMS), introduced a groundbreaking UGV-mounted automated refueling system for VTOL UAVs. This work, detailed in her highly regarded 2006 paper (cited 10 times), directly addressed critical operational limitations in force protection, perimeter security, and urban surveillance. By enabling autonomous refueling, Dr. Mullens’ research dramatically extended the mission endurance and practical utility of small VTOL platforms, bridging a crucial gap between aerial and ground robotics. Her achievements represent a foundational step toward persistent, self-sustaining UAV operations, making her a key figure in advancing the real-world deployment of autonomous aerial systems for defense and security applications.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1The development of a UGV-mounted automated refueling system for VTOL UAVs10 citations · 2006