Multiple Heterogeneous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Multiple Heterogeneous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Author: Aníbal Ollero

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2007-10-25

Total Pages: 238

ISBN-13: 3540739580

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Complete with online files and updates, this cutting-edge text looks at the next generation of unmanned flying machines. Aerial robots can be considered as an evolution of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This book provides a complete overview of all the issues related to aerial robotics, addressing problems ranging from flight control to terrain perception and mission planning and execution. The major challenges and potentials of heterogeneous UAVs are comprehensively explored.


Book Synopsis Multiple Heterogeneous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles by : Aníbal Ollero

Download or read book Multiple Heterogeneous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles written by Aníbal Ollero and published by Springer. This book was released on 2007-10-25 with total page 238 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Complete with online files and updates, this cutting-edge text looks at the next generation of unmanned flying machines. Aerial robots can be considered as an evolution of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This book provides a complete overview of all the issues related to aerial robotics, addressing problems ranging from flight control to terrain perception and mission planning and execution. The major challenges and potentials of heterogeneous UAVs are comprehensively explored.


Operational Planning for Multiple Heterogeneous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Three Dimensions

Operational Planning for Multiple Heterogeneous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Three Dimensions

Author: Blair Ellen Leake Negron

Publisher:

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 135

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Unmanned aerial vehicles are being incorporated in an increasing variety of operations. To take full advantage of the vehicles, the plans for the operations should integrate each vehicle's capabilities when planning the operations. This thesis focuses on planning operations for multiple, heterogeneous UAVs for the purpose of monitoring Earth's phenomena through data collection. The planning is done for flight in three dimensions. The problem also includes time window constraints for data collection and incorporates human input in the planning process. Two solution methods are presented: (1) a mixed-integer program, and (2) an algorithm that utilizes a meta-heuristic to generate composite variables for a linear program, called the Composite Operations Planning Algorithm. The suitability of the two methods to solve the operations planning problem is compared based on the ability of each of the methods to find high-value, feasible solutions for large-scale, operationally sized problems in a reasonable amount of time. The analysis shows that the Composite Operations Planning Algorithm can develop operations plans for problems including 15 UAVs and 5000 nodes in less than 25 minutes using a desktop computer.


Book Synopsis Operational Planning for Multiple Heterogeneous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Three Dimensions by : Blair Ellen Leake Negron

Download or read book Operational Planning for Multiple Heterogeneous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Three Dimensions written by Blair Ellen Leake Negron and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page 135 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Unmanned aerial vehicles are being incorporated in an increasing variety of operations. To take full advantage of the vehicles, the plans for the operations should integrate each vehicle's capabilities when planning the operations. This thesis focuses on planning operations for multiple, heterogeneous UAVs for the purpose of monitoring Earth's phenomena through data collection. The planning is done for flight in three dimensions. The problem also includes time window constraints for data collection and incorporates human input in the planning process. Two solution methods are presented: (1) a mixed-integer program, and (2) an algorithm that utilizes a meta-heuristic to generate composite variables for a linear program, called the Composite Operations Planning Algorithm. The suitability of the two methods to solve the operations planning problem is compared based on the ability of each of the methods to find high-value, feasible solutions for large-scale, operationally sized problems in a reasonable amount of time. The analysis shows that the Composite Operations Planning Algorithm can develop operations plans for problems including 15 UAVs and 5000 nodes in less than 25 minutes using a desktop computer.


Intelligent Autonomy of UAVs

Intelligent Autonomy of UAVs

Author: Yasmina Bestaoui Sebbane

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2018-03-14

Total Pages: 422

ISBN-13: 1351339397

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Intelligent Autonomy of UAVs: Advanced Missions and Future Use provides an approach to the formulation of the fundamental task typical to any mission and provides guidelines of how this task can be solved by different generic robotic problems. As such, this book aims to provide a systems engineering approach to UAV projects, discovering the real problems that need to be resolved independently of the application. After an introduction to the rapidly evolving field of aerial robotics, the book presents topics such as autonomy, mission analysis, human-UAV teams, homogeneous and heterogeneous UAV teams, and finally, UAV-UGV teams. It then covers generic robotic problems such as orienteering and coverage. The book next introduces deployment, patrolling, and foraging, while the last part of the book tackles an important application: aerial search, tracking, and surveillance. This book is meant for both scientists and practitioners. For practitioners, it presents existing solutions that are categorized according to various missions: surveillance and reconnaissance, 3D mapping, urban monitoring, precision agriculture, forestry, disaster assessment and monitoring, security, industrial plant inspection, etc. For scientists, it provides an overview of generic robotic problems such as coverage and orienteering; deployment, patrolling and foraging; search, tracking, and surveillance. The design and analysis of algorithms raise a unique combination of questions from many fields, including robotics, operational research, control theory, and computer science.


Book Synopsis Intelligent Autonomy of UAVs by : Yasmina Bestaoui Sebbane

Download or read book Intelligent Autonomy of UAVs written by Yasmina Bestaoui Sebbane and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2018-03-14 with total page 422 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Intelligent Autonomy of UAVs: Advanced Missions and Future Use provides an approach to the formulation of the fundamental task typical to any mission and provides guidelines of how this task can be solved by different generic robotic problems. As such, this book aims to provide a systems engineering approach to UAV projects, discovering the real problems that need to be resolved independently of the application. After an introduction to the rapidly evolving field of aerial robotics, the book presents topics such as autonomy, mission analysis, human-UAV teams, homogeneous and heterogeneous UAV teams, and finally, UAV-UGV teams. It then covers generic robotic problems such as orienteering and coverage. The book next introduces deployment, patrolling, and foraging, while the last part of the book tackles an important application: aerial search, tracking, and surveillance. This book is meant for both scientists and practitioners. For practitioners, it presents existing solutions that are categorized according to various missions: surveillance and reconnaissance, 3D mapping, urban monitoring, precision agriculture, forestry, disaster assessment and monitoring, security, industrial plant inspection, etc. For scientists, it provides an overview of generic robotic problems such as coverage and orienteering; deployment, patrolling and foraging; search, tracking, and surveillance. The design and analysis of algorithms raise a unique combination of questions from many fields, including robotics, operational research, control theory, and computer science.


Bio-inspired Computation in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Bio-inspired Computation in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Author: Haibin Duan

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2014-01-02

Total Pages: 285

ISBN-13: 3642411967

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Bio-inspired Computation in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles focuses on the aspects of path planning, formation control, heterogeneous cooperative control and vision-based surveillance and navigation in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from the perspective of bio-inspired computation. It helps readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of control-related problems in UAVs, presenting the latest advances in bio-inspired computation. By combining bio-inspired computation and UAV control problems, key questions are explored in depth, and each piece is content-rich while remaining accessible. With abundant illustrations of simulation work, this book links theory, algorithms and implementation procedures, demonstrating the simulation results with graphics that are intuitive without sacrificing academic rigor. Further, it pays due attention to both the conceptual framework and the implementation procedures. The book offers a valuable resource for scientists, researchers and graduate students in the field of Control, Aerospace Technology and Astronautics, especially those interested in artificial intelligence and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Professor Haibin Duan and Dr. Pei Li, both work at Beihang University (formerly Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics, BUAA). Prof Duan's academic website is: http://hbduan.buaa.edu.cn


Book Synopsis Bio-inspired Computation in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles by : Haibin Duan

Download or read book Bio-inspired Computation in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles written by Haibin Duan and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2014-01-02 with total page 285 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bio-inspired Computation in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles focuses on the aspects of path planning, formation control, heterogeneous cooperative control and vision-based surveillance and navigation in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from the perspective of bio-inspired computation. It helps readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of control-related problems in UAVs, presenting the latest advances in bio-inspired computation. By combining bio-inspired computation and UAV control problems, key questions are explored in depth, and each piece is content-rich while remaining accessible. With abundant illustrations of simulation work, this book links theory, algorithms and implementation procedures, demonstrating the simulation results with graphics that are intuitive without sacrificing academic rigor. Further, it pays due attention to both the conceptual framework and the implementation procedures. The book offers a valuable resource for scientists, researchers and graduate students in the field of Control, Aerospace Technology and Astronautics, especially those interested in artificial intelligence and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Professor Haibin Duan and Dr. Pei Li, both work at Beihang University (formerly Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics, BUAA). Prof Duan's academic website is: http://hbduan.buaa.edu.cn


Optimization of Heterogeneous UAV Communications Using the Multiobjective Quadratic Assignment Problem

Optimization of Heterogeneous UAV Communications Using the Multiobjective Quadratic Assignment Problem

Author: Mark P. Kleeman

Publisher:

Published: 2004-03-01

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 9781423516965

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The Air Force has placed a high priority on developing new and innovative ways to use Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) currently funds many projects that deal with the advancement of UAV research. The ultimate goal of the Air Force is to use UAVs in operations that are highly dangerous to pilots, mainly the suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD). With this goal in mind, formation structuring of autonomous or semi-autonomous UAVs is of future importance. This particular research investigates the optimization of heterogeneous UAV multi-channel communications in formation. The problem maps to the multiobjective Quadratic Assignment Problem (mQAP). Optimization of this problem is done through the use of a Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm (MOEA) called the Multiobjective Messy Genetic Algorithm - II (MOMGA-II). Experimentation validates the attainment of an acceptable Pareto Front for a variety of mQAP benchmarks. It was observed that building block size can affect the location vectors along the current Pareto Front. The competitive templates used during testing perform best when they are randomized before each building block size evaluation. This tuning of the MOMGA-II parameters creates a more effective algorithm for the variety of mQAP benchmarks, when compared to the initial experiments. Thus this algorithmic approach would be useful for Air Force decision makers in determining the placement of UAVs in formations.


Book Synopsis Optimization of Heterogeneous UAV Communications Using the Multiobjective Quadratic Assignment Problem by : Mark P. Kleeman

Download or read book Optimization of Heterogeneous UAV Communications Using the Multiobjective Quadratic Assignment Problem written by Mark P. Kleeman and published by . This book was released on 2004-03-01 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Air Force has placed a high priority on developing new and innovative ways to use Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) currently funds many projects that deal with the advancement of UAV research. The ultimate goal of the Air Force is to use UAVs in operations that are highly dangerous to pilots, mainly the suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD). With this goal in mind, formation structuring of autonomous or semi-autonomous UAVs is of future importance. This particular research investigates the optimization of heterogeneous UAV multi-channel communications in formation. The problem maps to the multiobjective Quadratic Assignment Problem (mQAP). Optimization of this problem is done through the use of a Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm (MOEA) called the Multiobjective Messy Genetic Algorithm - II (MOMGA-II). Experimentation validates the attainment of an acceptable Pareto Front for a variety of mQAP benchmarks. It was observed that building block size can affect the location vectors along the current Pareto Front. The competitive templates used during testing perform best when they are randomized before each building block size evaluation. This tuning of the MOMGA-II parameters creates a more effective algorithm for the variety of mQAP benchmarks, when compared to the initial experiments. Thus this algorithmic approach would be useful for Air Force decision makers in determining the placement of UAVs in formations.


Robot Manipulator Control

Robot Manipulator Control

Author: Frank L. Lewis

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2003-12-12

Total Pages: 646

ISBN-13: 9780203026953

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Robot Manipulator Control offers a complete survey of control systems for serial-link robot arms and acknowledges how robotic device performance hinges upon a well-developed control system. Containing over 750 essential equations, this thoroughly up-to-date Second Edition, the book explicates theoretical and mathematical requisites for controls design and summarizes current techniques in computer simulation and implementation of controllers. It also addresses procedures and issues in computed-torque, robust, adaptive, neural network, and force control. New chapters relay practical information on commercial robot manipulators and devices and cutting-edge methods in neural network control.


Book Synopsis Robot Manipulator Control by : Frank L. Lewis

Download or read book Robot Manipulator Control written by Frank L. Lewis and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2003-12-12 with total page 646 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Robot Manipulator Control offers a complete survey of control systems for serial-link robot arms and acknowledges how robotic device performance hinges upon a well-developed control system. Containing over 750 essential equations, this thoroughly up-to-date Second Edition, the book explicates theoretical and mathematical requisites for controls design and summarizes current techniques in computer simulation and implementation of controllers. It also addresses procedures and issues in computed-torque, robust, adaptive, neural network, and force control. New chapters relay practical information on commercial robot manipulators and devices and cutting-edge methods in neural network control.


Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Applications: Challenges and Trends

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Applications: Challenges and Trends

Author: Mohamed Abdelkader

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-06-29

Total Pages: 404

ISBN-13: 3031320379

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This is a book that covers different aspects of UAV technology, including design and development, applications, security and communication, and legal and regulatory challenges. The book is divided into 13 chapters, grouped into four parts. The first part discusses the design and development of UAVs, including ROS customization, structured designs, and intelligent trajectory tracking. The second part explores diverse applications such as search and rescue, monitoring distributed parameter systems, and leveraging drone technology in accounting. The third part focuses on security and communication challenges, including security concerns, multi-UAV systems, and communications security. The final part delves into the legal and regulatory challenges of integrating UAVs into non-segregated airspace. The book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and students in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles, providing a comprehensive understanding of UAV technology and its applications.


Book Synopsis Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Applications: Challenges and Trends by : Mohamed Abdelkader

Download or read book Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Applications: Challenges and Trends written by Mohamed Abdelkader and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2023-06-29 with total page 404 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a book that covers different aspects of UAV technology, including design and development, applications, security and communication, and legal and regulatory challenges. The book is divided into 13 chapters, grouped into four parts. The first part discusses the design and development of UAVs, including ROS customization, structured designs, and intelligent trajectory tracking. The second part explores diverse applications such as search and rescue, monitoring distributed parameter systems, and leveraging drone technology in accounting. The third part focuses on security and communication challenges, including security concerns, multi-UAV systems, and communications security. The final part delves into the legal and regulatory challenges of integrating UAVs into non-segregated airspace. The book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and students in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles, providing a comprehensive understanding of UAV technology and its applications.


Flying Ad Hoc Networks

Flying Ad Hoc Networks

Author: Jingjing Wang

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2022-02-10

Total Pages: 297

ISBN-13: 9811688508

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Relying on unmanned autonomous flight control programs, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with radio communication devices have been actively developed around the world. Given their low cost, flexible maneuvering and unmanned operation, UAVs have been widely used in both civilian operations and military missions, including environmental monitoring, emergency communications, express distribution, even military surveillance and attacks, for example. Given that a range of standards and protocols used in terrestrial wireless networks are not applicable to UAV networks, and that some practical constraints such as battery power and no-fly zone hinder the maneuverability capability of a single UAV, we need to explore advanced communication and networking theories and methods for the sake of supporting future ultra-reliable and low-latency applications. Typically, the full potential of UAV network’s functionalities can be tapped with the aid of the cooperation of multiple drones relying on their ad hoc networking, in-network communications and coordinated control. Furthermore, some swarm intelligence models and algorithms conceived for dynamic negotiation, path programming, formation flight and task assignment of multiple cooperative drones are also beneficial in terms of extending UAV’s functionalities and coverage, as well as of increasing their efficiency. We call the networking and cooperation of multiple drones as the terminology ‘flying ad hoc network (FANET)’, and there indeed are numerous new challenges to be overcome before the idespread of so-called heterogeneous FANETs. In this book, we examine a range of technical issues in FANETs, from physical-layer channel modeling to MAC-layer resource allocation, while also introducing readers to UAV aided mobile edge computing techniques.


Book Synopsis Flying Ad Hoc Networks by : Jingjing Wang

Download or read book Flying Ad Hoc Networks written by Jingjing Wang and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2022-02-10 with total page 297 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Relying on unmanned autonomous flight control programs, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with radio communication devices have been actively developed around the world. Given their low cost, flexible maneuvering and unmanned operation, UAVs have been widely used in both civilian operations and military missions, including environmental monitoring, emergency communications, express distribution, even military surveillance and attacks, for example. Given that a range of standards and protocols used in terrestrial wireless networks are not applicable to UAV networks, and that some practical constraints such as battery power and no-fly zone hinder the maneuverability capability of a single UAV, we need to explore advanced communication and networking theories and methods for the sake of supporting future ultra-reliable and low-latency applications. Typically, the full potential of UAV network’s functionalities can be tapped with the aid of the cooperation of multiple drones relying on their ad hoc networking, in-network communications and coordinated control. Furthermore, some swarm intelligence models and algorithms conceived for dynamic negotiation, path programming, formation flight and task assignment of multiple cooperative drones are also beneficial in terms of extending UAV’s functionalities and coverage, as well as of increasing their efficiency. We call the networking and cooperation of multiple drones as the terminology ‘flying ad hoc network (FANET)’, and there indeed are numerous new challenges to be overcome before the idespread of so-called heterogeneous FANETs. In this book, we examine a range of technical issues in FANETs, from physical-layer channel modeling to MAC-layer resource allocation, while also introducing readers to UAV aided mobile edge computing techniques.


Cooperative Path Planning of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Cooperative Path Planning of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Author: Antonios Tsourdos

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2010-11-09

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13: 0470974648

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

An invaluable addition to the literature on UAV guidance and cooperative control, Cooperative Path Planning of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles is a dedicated, practical guide to computational path planning for UAVs. One of the key issues facing future development of UAVs is path planning: it is vital that swarm UAVs/ MAVs can cooperate together in a coordinated manner, obeying a pre-planned course but able to react to their environment by communicating and cooperating. An optimized path is necessary in order to ensure a UAV completes its mission efficiently, safely, and successfully. Focussing on the path planning of multiple UAVs for simultaneous arrival on target, Cooperative Path Planning of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles also offers coverage of path planners that are applicable to land, sea, or space-borne vehicles. Cooperative Path Planning of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles is authored by leading researchers from Cranfield University and provides an authoritative resource for researchers, academics and engineers working in the area of cooperative systems, cooperative control and optimization particularly in the aerospace industry.


Book Synopsis Cooperative Path Planning of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles by : Antonios Tsourdos

Download or read book Cooperative Path Planning of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles written by Antonios Tsourdos and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2010-11-09 with total page 216 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An invaluable addition to the literature on UAV guidance and cooperative control, Cooperative Path Planning of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles is a dedicated, practical guide to computational path planning for UAVs. One of the key issues facing future development of UAVs is path planning: it is vital that swarm UAVs/ MAVs can cooperate together in a coordinated manner, obeying a pre-planned course but able to react to their environment by communicating and cooperating. An optimized path is necessary in order to ensure a UAV completes its mission efficiently, safely, and successfully. Focussing on the path planning of multiple UAVs for simultaneous arrival on target, Cooperative Path Planning of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles also offers coverage of path planners that are applicable to land, sea, or space-borne vehicles. Cooperative Path Planning of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles is authored by leading researchers from Cranfield University and provides an authoritative resource for researchers, academics and engineers working in the area of cooperative systems, cooperative control and optimization particularly in the aerospace industry.


Path Planning Algorithms for Multiple Heterogeneous Vehicles

Path Planning Algorithms for Multiple Heterogeneous Vehicles

Author: Paul V. Oberlin

Publisher:

Published: 2010

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are becoming increasingly popular for surveillance in civil and military applications. Vehicles built for this purpose vary in their sensing capabilities, speed and maneuverability. It is therefore natural to assume that a team of UAVs given the mission of visiting a set of targets would include vehicles with differing capabilities. This paper addresses the problem of assigning each vehicle a sequence of targets to visit such that the mission is completed with the least "cost" possible given that the team of vehicles is heterogeneous. In order to simplify the problem the capabilities of each vehicle are modeled as cost to travel from one target to another. In other words, if a vehicle is particularly suited to visit a certain target, the cost for that vehicle to visit that target is low compared to the other vehicles in the team. After applying this simplification, the problem can be posed as an instance of the combinatorial problem called the Heterogeneous Travelling Salesman Problem (HTSP). This paper presents a transformation of a Heterogenous, Multiple Depot, Multiple Traveling Salesman Problem (HMDMTSP) into a single, Asymmetric, Traveling Salesman Problem (ATSP). As a result, algorithms available for the single salesman problem can be used to solve the HMDMTSP. To show the effectiveness of the transformation, the well known Lin-Kernighan-Helsgaun heuristic was applied to the transformed ATSP. Computational results show that good quality solutions can be obtained for the HMDMTSP relatively fast. Additional complications to the sequencing problem come in the form of precedence constraints which prescribe a partial order in which nodes must be visited. In this context the sequencing problem was studied seperately using the Linear Program (LP) relaxation of a Mixed Integer Linear Program (MILP) formulation of the combinatorial problem known as the "Precedence Constrained Asymmetric Travelling Salesman Problem" (PCATSP).


Book Synopsis Path Planning Algorithms for Multiple Heterogeneous Vehicles by : Paul V. Oberlin

Download or read book Path Planning Algorithms for Multiple Heterogeneous Vehicles written by Paul V. Oberlin and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are becoming increasingly popular for surveillance in civil and military applications. Vehicles built for this purpose vary in their sensing capabilities, speed and maneuverability. It is therefore natural to assume that a team of UAVs given the mission of visiting a set of targets would include vehicles with differing capabilities. This paper addresses the problem of assigning each vehicle a sequence of targets to visit such that the mission is completed with the least "cost" possible given that the team of vehicles is heterogeneous. In order to simplify the problem the capabilities of each vehicle are modeled as cost to travel from one target to another. In other words, if a vehicle is particularly suited to visit a certain target, the cost for that vehicle to visit that target is low compared to the other vehicles in the team. After applying this simplification, the problem can be posed as an instance of the combinatorial problem called the Heterogeneous Travelling Salesman Problem (HTSP). This paper presents a transformation of a Heterogenous, Multiple Depot, Multiple Traveling Salesman Problem (HMDMTSP) into a single, Asymmetric, Traveling Salesman Problem (ATSP). As a result, algorithms available for the single salesman problem can be used to solve the HMDMTSP. To show the effectiveness of the transformation, the well known Lin-Kernighan-Helsgaun heuristic was applied to the transformed ATSP. Computational results show that good quality solutions can be obtained for the HMDMTSP relatively fast. Additional complications to the sequencing problem come in the form of precedence constraints which prescribe a partial order in which nodes must be visited. In this context the sequencing problem was studied seperately using the Linear Program (LP) relaxation of a Mixed Integer Linear Program (MILP) formulation of the combinatorial problem known as the "Precedence Constrained Asymmetric Travelling Salesman Problem" (PCATSP).