An aircraft emergency control system comprises at least one sensor configured to output an electronic signal relating to detection of incapacitation of at least one aircraft crew member. A processor is configured to receive and process the electronic signal to determine whether emergency action is to be taken. A control unit is configured to communicate, in use, a control signal to an avionics system of the aircraft in relation to the emergency action if the processor determines that emergency action is to be taken.

A flapping-wing aircraft includes a support frame, a motor coupled to the support frame, a pair of wings coupled to the support frame, and a linkage assembly coupled to the support frame and configured to translate an output torque of the motor into flapping motion of the wings, wherein the linkage assembly includes a first link coupled to a rotational output of the motor, a second link pivotably coupled to the first link at a first pivot joint, a third link pivotably coupled to the second link at a second pivot joint, and a fourth link pivotably coupled to the support frame and slidably coupled to the third link, and wherein the fourth link is coupled to a first wing of the pair of wings.

A flapping-wing aircraft includes a support frame, a motor coupled to the support frame, a pair of wings coupled to the support frame, and a linkage assembly coupled to the support frame and configured to translate an output torque of the motor into flapping motion of the wings, wherein the linkage assembly includes a first link coupled to a rotational output of the motor, a second link pivotably coupled to the first link at a first pivot joint, a third link pivotably coupled to the second link at a second pivot joint, and a fourth link pivotably coupled to the support frame and slidably coupled to the third link, and wherein the fourth link is coupled to a first wing of the pair of wings.

Methods and systems for providing vertical flight guidance for an aircraft. Vertical flight guidance for the aircraft is provided by an aircraft computer in an altitude capture mode for commanding the aircraft to capture a target altitude. At least one engine inoperative condition is detected by the computer, while in the altitude capture mode. In response to detecting the at least one engine inoperative condition, the computer causes an automatic transition (e.g., no pilot action on a flight level change (FLC) pushbutton on a flight control panel) of the vertical flight guidance for the aircraft from the altitude capture mode to an already existing mode that is flight level change with modified control parameters and provides vertical flight guidance in the flight level change mode for commanding the aircraft to capture the target altitude while maintaining airspeed of the aircraft substantially at a target airspeed.

A method for optimizing the operation of at least one first propeller and of at least one second propeller of a hybrid helicopter. The method comprises the following step during a control phase: deflection, with an autopilot system, of at least one aerodynamic stabilizer member into a setpoint position having, with respect to a reference position, a target deflection angle that is a function of a setpoint deflection angle, the setpoint deflection angle being calculated by the autopilot system in order to compensate for a torque exerted by the lift rotor at zero sideslip.

A method for optimizing the operation of at least one first propeller and of at least one second propeller of a hybrid helicopter. The method comprises the following step during a control phase: deflection, with an autopilot system, of at least one aerodynamic stabilizer member into a setpoint position having, with respect to a reference position, a target deflection angle that is a function of a setpoint deflection angle, the setpoint deflection angle being calculated by the autopilot system in order to compensate for a torque exerted by the lift rotor at zero sideslip.

A wireless autopilot system includes a mounting plate for securement onto a flight control surface of an aircraft, an airfoil, and a flight control device. The flight control device is connected to the mounting plate, and an elongated bracket functions as an anti-flutter counterbalance. A servomotor is connected to the airfoil by the elongated bracket, and a controller having a wireless transceiver for communicating with an application on an externally located processor enabled device is located within the main body. Changes in the position of the servomotor during flight are instructed by the application, and result in a change to the orientation of the aircraft.

A wireless autopilot system includes a mounting plate for securement onto a flight control surface of an aircraft, an airfoil, and a flight control device. The flight control device is connected to the mounting plate, and an elongated bracket functions as an anti-flutter counterbalance. A servomotor is connected to the airfoil by the elongated bracket, and a controller having a wireless transceiver for communicating with an application on an externally located processor enabled device is located within the main body. Changes in the position of the servomotor during flight are instructed by the application, and result in a change to the orientation of the aircraft.

A method includes generating, in a normal mode, an aircraft power setpoint and an aircraft pitch setpoint based on a desired airspeed setpoint and a desired altitude setpoint. The method includes transitioning from the normal mode to an underpower mode when the aircraft is unable to maintain the desired airspeed setpoint. The method includes setting, in the underpower mode, the aircraft power setpoint to a full power setting, generating, in the underpower mode, the aircraft pitch setpoint based on the desired altitude setpoint, and transitioning from the underpower mode to an underspeed mode when the aircraft airspeed is less than an airspeed threshold value while the aircraft power setpoint is set to the full power setting. The method includes maintaining, in the underspeed mode, the aircraft power setpoint at the full power setting and generating, in the underspeed mode, the aircraft pitch setpoint based on the desired airspeed setpoint.

Method and device for determining trajectory to optimal position of a follower aircraft with respect to vortices generated by a leader aircraft. The method includes controlling trajectory of a follower aircraft to an optimal position where the follower aircraft benefits from effects of at least one of the vortices of a leader aircraft. A first section control step controls flight of the follower aircraft using current measurements of flight parameters, from a safety position to a search position, along an approach section passing through an approach zone. A second section control step controls flight of the follower aircraft using current measurements of flight parameters, from the search position to a precision position, along a search section passing through a search zone, and a third section control step controls flight of the follower aircraft, from the precision position to the optimal position, along an optimization section passing through an optimization zone.