This document details a series of inventions relating to the design and optimization of hybrid-to-electric aircraft. In particular, a system and method is presented to improve the effectiveness of mixed aerodynamic control surfaces which are actuated by a novel electromechanical actuator which allows the system to be tolerant to actuator faults and jams. In addition, innovations relating to integration and quick swap of large energy storage units such as batteries are disclosed, and further, an algorithm which may be used to optimize numerous aspects of the regional hybrid-to-electric aircraft known as Total Cost Door to Door or TCD2D.

A control system is for a high lift assembly of an aircraft. The assembly is controllable in two aerodynamic configurations each with different lift. The control system includes a manual control device operable by a pilot of the aircraft. The manual control device includes at least one member movable relative to a base body. The movable member can be moved relative to the base body between a rest position, a first position and a second distinct position. The manual control device includes a resilient return device for the movable member in the rest position. The manual control device issues a signal when the movable member reaches either the first or second position, to move the high lift assembly between two of the aerodynamic configurations.

A centralized control system and/or method for controlling an aircraft are provided. The centralized control system includes a controller configured to receive a device signal and transmit a control signal, a communication bus connected to the controller being configured to transport the device signal and the control signal, a plurality of devices connected to the controller using the communication bus, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices includes at least one of a sensor being configured to collect the device signal and an effector configured to respond to the control signal, and a bus communication circuit configured to communicate over the communication bus to the controller.

This invention, the Motor-wing Gimbal Aircraft (MGA) is an aerial vehicle and waterborne craft. It launches and lands vertically from the ground and water. In flight, it transitions from vertical, hovering and forward flight to horizontal flight. The MGA embodies multiple configurations and arrangements of motor-wings, propulsion systems and hybrid engine combinations. The MGA uses a fly-by-light system for flight maneuvering and controlling the motorized multi-axis gimbal cockpit. The MGA uses cellular communications together with the Global Positioning System (GPS) for navigation, collision avoidance and restricted airspace avoidance. The MGA uses visible lights to signal its elevation and flight maneuvers. The MGA is constructed of modular apparatuses and assemblies that are interchangeable and work in concert to power and maneuver the vehicle. This invention includes: the method of construction, the method of control, the method of visual light signaling, the method of electronic mapping of airspace (EMA) and the method of navigation. This invention includes flight operation applications and military applications.

Aircraft, auto speed brake control systems, and methods for controlling drag of an aircraft are provided. In one example, an aircraft includes an aircraft structure. A drag device is operatively coupled to the aircraft structure between a stowed and a deployed position and/or an intermediate deployed position. A speed brake controller is in communication with the drag device to control movement. An autothrottle-autospeedbrake controller is in communication with the speed brake controller and is configured to receive data signals. The autothrottle-autospeedbrake controller is operative to direct the speed brake controller to control movement of the drag device between the stowed position and the deployed position and/or the intermediate deployed position in response to at least one of the data signals.

A selector lever includes a detent pin that travels along a shaft for being positioned within a detent slot of a detent plate for securing the selector lever in place. A magnetic detent pin alignment mechanism provides feedback to an operator for assisting in maneuvering the selector lever to a predetermined position wherein the detent pin may be positioned within a desired detent slot.

A high lift control system for an aircraft having at least one high lift surface includes a selector having a predetermined number of discrete positions, at least one of the predetermined positions corresponding to different positions of the at least one high lift surface.

A system and method for controlling one or more flaps of a wing of an aircraft include a first flap moveably secured to a first wing of the aircraft. The first flap is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. First and second actuators are coupled to the first flap. A flap control unit is in communication with the first and second actuators. The flap control unit is configured to operate the first and second actuators to move the first flap between retracted and extended positions, monitor a first electrical signal provided to the first actuator, monitor a second electrical signal provided to the second actuator, and determine that the first and second actuators are synchronized by monitoring the first and second electrical signals.

A method during which a current position of a pilot control is determined, an equivalent position is determined that the pilot control needs to reach following a control transition in order to avoid modifying the actuator, and at least one mismatch is determined between the equivalent position and the current position. As from a transition, a target is determined for controlling the actuator by giving a corrected value to at least one position variable in a post-transition piloting relationship, the corrected value being determined as a function of the mismatch and of the current position of the pilot control. So long as the mismatch is not zero, the value of the mismatch in the relationship is reduced in proportion to the movement of the pilot control as the pilot control comes closer to the equivalent position.

A selector lever with redundant detent pins and detent plates and a method for using the selector lever to test for a failure of one or more detent pins. The selector lever includes at least two slides for independently moving the detent pins within the detent plates. The independent slides allow one detent pin to remain engaged. With only one detent pin engaged, the operator may test the ability to move the shaft and conclude whether or not the detent pin has failed.