Patent classifications
B64C13/10
System and method for tail rotor margin awareness
In an embodiment, a rotorcraft includes: tail rotor blades; a tail rotor actuator coupled to the tail rotor blades such that the pitch of the tail rotor blades varies according to a current extension of the tail rotor actuator; pilot flight controls electrically coupled to the tail rotor actuator; and a flight control computer electrically coupled to the tail rotor actuator and the pilot flight controls, the flight control computer configured to: determine the current extension of the tail rotor actuator; determine whether the current extension of the tail rotor actuator is within a margin of a maximum extension of the tail rotor actuator; and indicate a first warning to a pilot in response to the current extension of the tail rotor actuator being within the margin of the maximum extension of the tail rotor actuator.
System and method for tail rotor margin awareness
In an embodiment, a rotorcraft includes: tail rotor blades; a tail rotor actuator coupled to the tail rotor blades such that the pitch of the tail rotor blades varies according to a current extension of the tail rotor actuator; pilot flight controls electrically coupled to the tail rotor actuator; and a flight control computer electrically coupled to the tail rotor actuator and the pilot flight controls, the flight control computer configured to: determine the current extension of the tail rotor actuator; determine whether the current extension of the tail rotor actuator is within a margin of a maximum extension of the tail rotor actuator; and indicate a first warning to a pilot in response to the current extension of the tail rotor actuator being within the margin of the maximum extension of the tail rotor actuator.
AIRCRAFT ANTI-SPIN SYSTEMS
An anti-spin system for an aircraft can include an anti-spin module configured to execute a computer implemented method. The method can include receiving flight data from one or more aircraft flight data systems, determining if the aircraft is near stall or in a stall using the flight data, and determining if the aircraft is in uncoordinated flight while near stall or in a stall to determine if the aircraft is near spin or in a spin using the flight data. If the aircraft is determined to be near spin, the method includes at least one of sending an alert to a warning indicator in a cockpit to warn the pilot of a spin or near spin condition, or sending a signal to an automated control system for inputting automatic control to the aircraft to avoid a spin by coordinating the aircraft or avoiding a stall while uncoordinated.
AIRCRAFT ANTI-SPIN SYSTEMS
An anti-spin system for an aircraft can include an anti-spin module configured to execute a computer implemented method. The method can include receiving flight data from one or more aircraft flight data systems, determining if the aircraft is near stall or in a stall using the flight data, and determining if the aircraft is in uncoordinated flight while near stall or in a stall to determine if the aircraft is near spin or in a spin using the flight data. If the aircraft is determined to be near spin, the method includes at least one of sending an alert to a warning indicator in a cockpit to warn the pilot of a spin or near spin condition, or sending a signal to an automated control system for inputting automatic control to the aircraft to avoid a spin by coordinating the aircraft or avoiding a stall while uncoordinated.
Method of controlling an artificial force feel generating device for generation of an artificial feeling of force on an inceptor of a vehicle control system
A method of controlling an artificial force feel generating device for generation of an artificial feeling of force on an inceptor that is adapted for controlling a servo-assisted control unit of a vehicle control system, wherein the artificial force feel generating device comprises at least one force generating device that is mechanically connected to the inceptor for generating a tactile cue force acting in operation on the inceptor, and wherein a safety device is provided for limiting authority of the at least one force generating device, the method comprising at least the steps of: monitoring usage of the safety device during operation of the artificial force feel generating device, determining a current accumulated fatigue of the safety device on the basis of the monitored usage, and re-configuring the at least one force generating device on the basis of the current accumulated fatigue.
Method of controlling an artificial force feel generating device for generation of an artificial feeling of force on an inceptor of a vehicle control system
A method of controlling an artificial force feel generating device for generation of an artificial feeling of force on an inceptor that is adapted for controlling a servo-assisted control unit of a vehicle control system, wherein the artificial force feel generating device comprises at least one force generating device that is mechanically connected to the inceptor for generating a tactile cue force acting in operation on the inceptor, and wherein a safety device is provided for limiting authority of the at least one force generating device, the method comprising at least the steps of: monitoring usage of the safety device during operation of the artificial force feel generating device, determining a current accumulated fatigue of the safety device on the basis of the monitored usage, and re-configuring the at least one force generating device on the basis of the current accumulated fatigue.
Static reference resolver circuit
A sensor, and method of using the sensor, includes a primary resolver circuit and a static reference resolver circuit. The primary resolver circuit is configured to provide first and second primary analog outputs. The primary analog outputs are indicative of a sensed condition of the sensor. The static reference resolver circuit includes a transformer and is configured to generate first and second reference analog outputs indicative of a reference condition of the sensor. The first and second reference analog outputs match the first and second primary analog outputs when the sensed condition is equivalent to the reference condition.
System and Method for Tail Rotor Margin Awareness
In an embodiment, a rotorcraft includes: tail rotor blades; a tail rotor actuator coupled to the tail rotor blades such that the pitch of the tail rotor blades varies according to a current extension of the tail rotor actuator; pilot flight controls electrically coupled to the tail rotor actuator; and a flight control computer electrically coupled to the tail rotor actuator and the pilot flight controls, the flight control computer configured to: determine the current extension of the tail rotor actuator; determine whether the current extension of the tail rotor actuator is within a margin of a maximum extension of the tail rotor actuator; and indicate a first warning to a pilot in response to the current extension of the tail rotor actuator being within the margin of the maximum extension of the tail rotor actuator.
System and Method for Tail Rotor Margin Awareness
In an embodiment, a rotorcraft includes: tail rotor blades; a tail rotor actuator coupled to the tail rotor blades such that the pitch of the tail rotor blades varies according to a current extension of the tail rotor actuator; pilot flight controls electrically coupled to the tail rotor actuator; and a flight control computer electrically coupled to the tail rotor actuator and the pilot flight controls, the flight control computer configured to: determine the current extension of the tail rotor actuator; determine whether the current extension of the tail rotor actuator is within a margin of a maximum extension of the tail rotor actuator; and indicate a first warning to a pilot in response to the current extension of the tail rotor actuator being within the margin of the maximum extension of the tail rotor actuator.
Rudder and brake pedal assembly
An airplane rudder and brake pedal assembly includes a rudder arm assembly having one rudder arm with first upper and lower arm portions, and another rudder arm with second upper and lower arm portions. The rudder arm assembly is assembled to a beam at an intersection of the first upper and lower arm portions, and an intersection of the second upper and lower arm portions. The first and second rudder arms are configured to rotate about the beam at the intersection. The rotation of the first and second rudder arms is configured to adjust control surfaces that control a yaw axis of the airplane. A brake pedal is attached to the first and second lower arm portions. Rotation of the brake pedal brakes the airplane. A rotary sensor is assembled to the brake pedal and the lower arm portion, and configured to determine an extent of the brake pedal rotation.