Embodiments of the invention(s) cover a method and system in which the system monitors outputs of a set of subsystems associated with a flying vehicle, wherein the flying vehicle comprises a set of fixed-wing operation modes and a set of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) operation modes, and wherein the set of subsystems generate signals associated with an operational environment surrounding the flying vehicle; from said outputs of the set of subsystems, generating a risk assessment characterizing one or more potential hazards associated with the environment surrounding the flying vehicle; based upon the risk assessment, returning instructions for execution of a detect and avoid operation; and optionally, executing the detect and avoid operation.

A method for loading an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle with one or more items is disclosed. The method includes positioning one or more items in specific positions within one of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and a container configured to be carried by the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle based on a Center of Gravity of each of the one or more items. The method also includes securing the one or more items in the specific positions within the one of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and the container to prevent the one or more items from shifting and changing a combined Center of Gravity of the one or more items combined with the one of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and the container during a flight of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

Disclosed are methods and devices for determining a load condition of an aircraft. A sensing device is mountable relative to an aircraft strut during loading operations and demountable after loading operations. A data processing device is operable to process output from the sensing device together with aircraft specific data, to determine a load condition of the aircraft.

A system to estimate the good distribution of loading onboard an aircraft capable of carrying out a target mission. The system includes at least one operability index determination module, a module for verifying whether the distribution of loading onboard the aircraft is considered to be a good distribution by comparing the operability index of the target mission with a predetermined operability index threshold. The determination of the operability index makes it possible to know whether the aircraft can carry out a target mission in good conditions.

Methods of determining a final space reservation for a new aircraft are disclosed. The methods include using parametric definitions of potential payloads to generate a population of representative payloads for use in creating an initial space reservation. The methods include accounting for and applying a variety of margins on each potential payload and taking the union of potential payloads. Alternatively, the union can be taken first and then the margins applied. A homogenous space reservation can be determined based upon a variety of differently shaped or sized payloads, including a margin build-up to mitigate risk of unknowns associated with future changes in specific payload shapes and sizes, build tolerances, environmental conditions, and/or loading and unloading motions and clearances. Once this space reservation is known, it is possible to design an external shape of a carrying vehicle by staying outside of this space reservation.

An aircraft operation method of providing weight and center of gravity information is used to dispatch the aircraft. The aircraft has telescoping landing gear struts and strut seals that interfere with the free movement of the strut. An event trigger signaling departure is detected from aircraft operations at a loading area. Internal strut pressure is measured and recorded upon detection for a period of time as the aircraft moves away. The recorded pressure measurements are transmitted to a first off-aircraft computer, which determines the total weight and center of gravity of the aircraft and provides the information to an operator of the aircraft.

Methods of determining a final space reservation for a new aircraft are disclosed. The methods include using parametric definitions of potential payloads to generate a population of representative payloads for use in creating an initial space reservation. The methods include accounting for and applying a variety of margins on each potential payload and taking the union of potential payloads. Alternatively, the union can be taken first and then the margins applied. A homogenous space reservation can be determined based upon a variety of differently shaped or sized payloads, including a margin build-up to mitigate risk of unknowns associated with future changes in specific payload shapes and sizes, build tolerances, environmental conditions, and/or loading and unloading motions and clearances. Once this space reservation is known, it is possible to design an external shape of a carrying vehicle by staying outside of this space reservation.

A method includes determining initial load distribution data for a cargo area in an aircraft based on an estimated total weight of unloaded items. The cargo area includes a plurality of zones. The initial load distribution data includes a recommended weight for each of the zones and an estimated center of gravity (CG) for the aircraft as loaded with the items. The method includes displaying the initial load distribution data, acquiring a first weight value for a first set of items, and determining that the first set of items has been loaded into a first zone. The method includes determining updated load distribution data based on the first weight value and the location of the first zone in the aircraft. The updated load distribution data includes an updated recommended weight for each of the zones and an updated CG. The method includes displaying the updated load distribution data.

A device for determining the center of gravity (CG) of a remote controlled aircraft includes a base member having a slotted track defined therein and a plurality of support platforms mounted on the base member. Each support platform of the plurality of support platforms is slidably positionable along the slotted track and each support platform may receive a digital CG sensor thereon. A plurality of leveling members is also mounted on the base member, with each leveling member of the plurality of leveling members being independently vertically translatable to adjust the orientation of the base member until the base member is level with the horizontal plane.

The invention(s) include embodiments and applications of: a system for package handling, the system including: a flying vehicle comprising a nose portion; a storage region of the flying vehicle; a landing support subsystem coupled to the flying vehicle; one or more thrust generating devices coupled to the flying vehicle 110; a package conveying subsystem configured to interface with the flying vehicle; and a weight and balance detection subsystem comprising a set of sensors coupled to at least one of the flying vehicle and the package conveying subsystem. The system can execute operation modes, associated with loading and unloading of multiple packages, redistributing multiple packages according to weight, and delivering one or more packages to receiving sites.