Predictive aircraft maintenance methods include extracting feature data from flight data collected during a flight of the aircraft, calculating a performance classifier indicator that indicates a performance category of the selected flight control surface component within a threshold number of future flights based on the feature data, and determining the performance status of the selected flight control surface component relative to the threshold number of future flights based on the performance classifier indicator. Such methods may include classifying the feature data with an ensemble of related primary classifiers to produce a primary classifier indicator for each primary classifier and aggregating the primary classifier indicators to produce the performance classifier indicator indicating the performance category of the selected active component for the threshold number of future flights.

Predictive aircraft maintenance systems may include modules configured to extract feature data, classify feature data, and aggregate classifications.

Predictive aircraft maintenance methods include extracting feature data from flight data collected during a flight of the aircraft, calculating a performance classifier indicator that indicates a performance category of the selected flight control surface component within a threshold number of future flights based on the feature data, and determining the performance status of the selected flight control surface component relative to the threshold number of future flights based on the performance classifier indicator. Such methods may include classifying the feature data with an ensemble of related primary classifiers to produce a primary classifier indicator for each primary classifier and aggregating the primary classifier indicators to produce the performance classifier indicator indicating the performance category of the selected active component for the threshold number of future flights.

Predictive aircraft maintenance systems may include modules configured to extract feature data, classify feature data, and aggregate classifications.

A multi-mode aerial vehicle hybrid wing includes a fixed wing configured to extend from a side of an elongated fuselage and double over its longitudinal axis, a tilt wing attached at a first side to a free end of the fixed wing wherein the tilt wing is rotatable ninety degrees about its axis, and a duct attached to a second side of the tilt wing. The duct includes a plurality of pivotal control surfaces positioned at a top entrance of the duct, dual counter-rotating rotors positioned at an underside of the duct, a plurality of cross stators positioned at a back entrance of the duct, and a plurality of stator pivotal control surfaces within each of the cross stators of the duct. The multi-mode aerial vehicle hybrid wing also includes a winglet attached to the duct opposite to the tilt wing.

The present disclosure is directed to an aerodynamic stabilizer assembly for stabilizing an aft fan mounted to a fuselage of an aircraft. For example, the stabilizer assembly includes one or more generally horizontal stabilizers for mounting to a nacelle of the aft fan and the fuselage so as to stabilize the aft fan. Each of the generally horizontal stabilizers includes an inner portion and an outer portion. As such, the inner portions are mounted to a nacelle of the aft fan and the fuselage at a predetermined downward angle with respect to a central axis of the aft fan so as to direct airflow upwards and into the aft fan, the outer portion being mounted to the inner portion.

An aircraft includes a structure exhibiting a median plane XZ and including a fuselage, a fixed vertical stabilizer at the rear of the fuselage, an adjustable horizontal stabilizer rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis on a first section of the structure, and extending on either side of the median plane XZ, and at the rear, two elevators mounted rotatably about a horizontal axis on a second section of the structure on either side of the median plane XZ independently of the adjustable horizontal stabilizer. In an aircraft of this kind, the elevators no longer have any impact on the adjustable horizontal stabilizer, which allows, among other things, the dimensions of the adjustable horizontal stabilizer, and also of the actuator operating them, to be reduced.

An aircraft includes a structure exhibiting a median plane XZ and including a fuselage, a fixed vertical stabilizer at the rear of the fuselage, an adjustable horizontal stabilizer rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis on a first section of the structure, and extending on either side of the median plane XZ, and at the rear, two elevators mounted rotatably about a horizontal axis on a second section of the structure on either side of the median plane XZ independently of the adjustable horizontal stabilizer. In an aircraft of this kind, the elevators no longer have any impact on the adjustable horizontal stabilizer, which allows, among other things, the dimensions of the adjustable horizontal stabilizer, and also of the actuator operating them, to be reduced.

Installation of powered actuators in the leading edge of a control surface in order to have a better weight distribution. The systems described herein propose an actuation system with a static ground structure used to move a control surface of an aircraft. The actuation system, and the ground structure are aligned with the center of rotation of the control surface, providing the aircraft with flutter suppression. This proposal is an approach to use the actuator in a place favorable to the mass balancing and reducing or even dismissing the usage of mass balancing, saving weight and cost.

A method includes identifying a plurality of measured strain gauge values of interest from a plurality of measured strain gauge values. The plurality of measured strain gauge values of interest corresponds to a plurality of temperature values of interest. The method further includes comparing the plurality of measured strain gauge values of interest to a plurality of expected strain gauge values of interest to determine a plurality of strain gauge correction values. The plurality of strain gauge correction values corresponds to the plurality of temperature values of interest. The method further includes correlating the plurality of strain gauge correction values to the plurality of temperature values of interest to determine a correction value-temperature relationship. The method also includes determining a corrected real-time strain gauge value by applying the correction value-temperature relationship to a real-time strain gauge value and a corresponding real-time temperature.

A method includes identifying a plurality of measured strain gauge values of interest from a plurality of measured strain gauge values. The plurality of measured strain gauge values of interest corresponds to a plurality of temperature values of interest. The method further includes comparing the plurality of measured strain gauge values of interest to a plurality of expected strain gauge values of interest to determine a plurality of strain gauge correction values. The plurality of strain gauge correction values corresponds to the plurality of temperature values of interest. The method further includes correlating the plurality of strain gauge correction values to the plurality of temperature values of interest to determine a correction value-temperature relationship. The method also includes determining a corrected real-time strain gauge value by applying the correction value-temperature relationship to a real-time strain gauge value and a corresponding real-time temperature.

A tool for fabricating a control surface is disclosed. In various embodiments, the tool includes a first block defining a longitudinal direction running between a leading edge end and a trailing edge end; a first sidewall spaced a first lateral distance from the first block to form a first closeout channel running in the longitudinal direction between the first block and the first sidewall; and a second sidewall configured to form a second closeout channel running in the longitudinal direction, the second closeout channel disposed laterally opposite the tool from the first closeout channel.