According to one aspect, a method of initial rotor state compensation for a rotorcraft includes determining a vehicle attitude of the rotorcraft prior to takeoff of the rotorcraft. A rotor state compensation is computed based on the vehicle attitude. A plurality of rotor servos is commanded to an initial rotor state based on a nominal rotor neutral position value in combination with the rotor state compensation to establish a predetermined takeoff trajectory of the rotorcraft.

Autonomous flight is performed in an open loop mode over a first range of altitudes, wherein a plurality altitude-related data from a plurality of altitude-related sensors is ignored while performing the autonomous flight in the open loop mode. The autonomous flight is performed in a closed loop mode over a second range of altitudes, wherein: the plurality of altitude-related data from the plurality of altitude-related sensors is used while performing the autonomous flight in the closed loop mode, and the first range of altitudes is a non-overlapping, lower range of altitudes compared to the second range of altitudes. The altitude-related data may include, among other things, a radar signal or a phase associated with a radar signal.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a stand for launching, landing, testing, refueling and recharging a UAV, and methods for testing, landing and launching the UAV are disclosed. Further, embodiments may include transferring a payload onto or off of the UAV, and loading flight planning and diagnostic maintenance information to the UAV.

An integrated multifunction dynamic display system and method for an air vehicle that provides an interactive user experience. The system is based around an array of multifunction display nodes that are disposed throughout the air vehicle. The multifunction display nodes are connected through a databus or network such that the display nodes can operate individually or in combination to create a desired interactive experience. The nodes can include interior lighting, exterior lighting, interior displays, exterior displays, and windows. The multifunction dynamic display system can be used to control or otherwise provide interior lighting or displays, loading/unloading instruction, inflight entertainment or information, emergency notification and instruction, augmented reality, external lighting and displays. In addition, the multifunction dynamic display can be configured for each passenger.

Autonomous flight is performed in an open loop mode over a first range of altitudes, wherein a plurality altitude-related data from a plurality of altitude-related sensors is ignored while performing the autonomous flight in the open loop mode. The autonomous flight is performed in a closed loop mode over a second range of altitudes, wherein: the plurality of altitude-related data from the plurality of altitude-related sensors is used while performing the autonomous flight in the closed loop mode, and the first range of altitudes is a non-overlapping, lower range of altitudes compared to the second range of altitudes. The altitude-related data may include, among other things, a radar signal or a phase associated with a radar signal.

An air/ground contact logic management system for use with fly-by-wire control systems in an aircraft. The system includes a first sensor configured to provide an output signal to determine when the aircraft is in a transition region. A logic management system is in communication with the first sensor and is configured to receive and process the output signal and classify a mode of the aircraft. A controller receives signal data from the logic management system and communicates with a control axis actuator to regulate a level of control authority provided to a pilot. The control authority is individually regulated within each integrator as a result of the individual landing gear states.

Systems and methods may include a lift drone and a carrier drone to convey a payload. The lift drone may vertically lift the payload, alone or with the carrier drone, to a transfer location. The carrier drone may receive control of the payload at the transfer location, such as by receiving physical transfer of the payload, taking over conveyance of the payload from the lift drone, or the like. The lift drone may remain coupled with the payload or the carrier drone or may decouple after transfer.

An aerial system, preferably including one or more proximity sensors, such as sensors arranged in opposing directions. A method for aerial system operation, preferably including: determining a set of sensors; sampling measurements at the set of sensors; localizing the aerial system based on the measurements, such as to determine one or more obstacle clearances; and controlling system flight, such as based on the clearances.

System and method for controlling an aerial system to perform a selected operation using an easy-to-use release and auto-positioning process.

A method for launching an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprises: receiving a pre-launching signal; detecting, via at least one sensor of the UAV, at least one status parameter of the UAV in response to receiving the pre-launching signal; determining a launching mode of the UAV according to the at least one detected status parameter of the UAV; and launching the UAV according to the determined launching mode of the UAV.