A system for flight control of an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The system generally includes a pilot control, a pusher component, a lift component and a flight controller. The pilot control is mechanically coupled to the eVTOL aircraft. The pilot control is configured to transmit an input datum. The pusher component is mechanically coupled to the eVTOL aircraft. The lift component is mechanically coupled to the eVTOL aircraft. The flight controller is communicatively connected to the pilot control. The flight controller is configured to receive the input datum from the pilot control, initiate operation of the pusher component, and terminate operation of the lift component. A method for flight control of an eVTOL aircraft is also provided.

A flight control system for an aircraft having a multi-functional flight control surface. The aircraft has at least one multi-functional flight control surface formed by a sequence of flaps. The shape of each multi-functional flight control surface may be configured by a flight control to simultaneously adjust a trajectory of the aircraft in two or more of a pitch direction, a roll direction, and a yaw direction. The flight control for operating said the multi-functional flight control surface responds to both pilot commands and machine-generated commands. The machine-generated commands configure the shape of the surface of each multi-functional flight control surface in real-time based, at least in part, upon a set of flight objectives comprising: (a) minimizing drag of the aircraft, (b) aeroelastic modal suppression for the aircraft, and (c) maneuver load alleviation in the aircraft.

A flight control system for an aircraft having a multi-functional flight control surface. The aircraft has at least one multi-functional flight control surface formed by a sequence of flaps. The shape of each multi-functional flight control surface may be configured by a flight control to simultaneously adjust a trajectory of the aircraft in two or more of a pitch direction, a roll direction, and a yaw direction. The flight control for operating said the multi-functional flight control surface responds to both pilot commands and machine-generated commands. The machine-generated commands configure the shape of the surface of each multi-functional flight control surface in real-time based, at least in part, upon a set of flight objectives comprising: (a) minimizing drag of the aircraft, (b) aeroelastic modal suppression for the aircraft, and (c) maneuver load alleviation in the aircraft.

The present invention achieves technical advantages as an aircraft having an augmented reality flight control system integrated with and operable from the pilot seat and an associated pilot headgear unit, wherein the flight control system is supplemented by flight-assisting artificial intelligence and geo-location systems. The present invention includes an augmented reality flight control system incorporating real-world objects with virtual elements to provide relevant data to a pilot during aircraft flight. A translucent substrate is disposed in the pilot's field of view such that the pilot can see therethrough, and observe virtual elements displayed on the substrate. The system includes a headgear that is worn by the pilot. A flight assistance module is configured to receive ii data related to the aircraft and provide predictive assistance to the pilot during flight based on the received data based in part on a pilot profile having preferences related to the pilot.

The present invention achieves technical advantages as an aircraft having an augmented reality flight control system integrated with and operable from the pilot seat and an associated pilot headgear unit, wherein the flight control system is supplemented by flight-assisting artificial intelligence and geo-location systems. The present invention includes an augmented reality flight control system incorporating real-world objects with virtual elements to provide relevant data to a pilot during aircraft flight. A translucent substrate is disposed in the pilot's field of view such that the pilot can see therethrough, and observe virtual elements displayed on the substrate. The system includes a headgear that is worn by the pilot. A flight assistance module is configured to receive ii data related to the aircraft and provide predictive assistance to the pilot during flight based on the received data based in part on a pilot profile having preferences related to the pilot.

An embodiment rotorcraft includes a rotor system including a plurality of blades; a control assembly operable to receive commands from a pilot; a flight control system (FCS), the flight control system operable to control flight of the rotorcraft by changing an operating condition of the rotor system; and a flight management system (FMS) in signal communication with the control assembly and the FCS. The FMS is operable to receive a target location and a plurality of approach parameters from the control assembly; generate a plurality waypoints between a current location of the rotorcraft and a missed approach point (MAP) based on the target location and the plurality of approach parameters; receive a command to engage in an approach maneuver from the control assembly; and in response to the command to engage in the approach maneuver, instruct the FCS to fly to the MAP.

A method of operating a manipulation system of the type having a movable arm with a proximal end connected to a base and a distal end that is movable relative to the base and is coupled to an end-effector. The method comprises moving the distal end of the movable arm towards a target object and into contact with a stabilization object proximate to the target object, maintaining contact between the distal end of the movable arm and the stabilization object while operating the end-effector to perform a desired operation at the target object, and upon completing the desired operation at the target object, disengaging the distal end of the movable arm from contact with the stabilization object.

A flight control actuator for actuating an aircraft flight control system is provided. The flight control actuator comprises a gearbox, an output shaft attached to the gearbox and an output lever provided on the output shaft. The output lever is declutchable from the output shaft.

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.

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.