A technique for detecting and avoiding obstacles by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes: querying a knowledge graph having information related to a dynamic obstacle that may be in proximity to the UAV when traveling along a planned route; comparing the location of the dynamic obstacle to the UAV to detect conflicts; and in response to detecting a conflict, performing an action to avoid conflict with the dynamic obstacle. The knowledge graph can be updated by receiving a VHF radio signal containing the information related to the dynamic obstacle in the audible speech format; translating the audible speech format to a text format using speech recognition; analyzing the text format for relevant information related to the dynamic obstacle; comparing the relevant information related to the dynamic obstacle of the text format to the knowledge graph to detect changes; and updating the knowledge graph.

A technique for detection of an obstacle by a UAV includes arriving above a location at a first altitude by the UAV; navigating a descent flight pattern from the first altitude towards the location; acquiring aerial images of the location below the UAV with a camera system disposed onboard the UAV; and analyzing the aerial images with a machine vision system disposed onboard the UAV that is adapted to detect a presence of the obstacle in the aerial images. The descent flight pattern is selected to increase perception by the machine vision system of the obstacle.

Load management system and methods are described for aircraft, including tailsitters. A load management system can comprise a pole coupled the fuselage and free to rotate and swing. The pole can comprise a cargo hook and a distal end that can be releasably coupled to a cargo cable or cargo. The pole can be coupled near its distal end to a retractable cable that is deployed from a position aft of the pole. During landing, takeoff, and when otherwise in hover mode, the retractable cable can be retractedholding the pole along or near the fuselage. During transition to, or during, flight mode, the retractable cable can be deployed which can harmonize the cargo's center of gravity with the needs of the tailsitter aircraft.

Provided are computer-implemented methods for autonomously controlling an aircraft with vertical take-off and landing capabilities and folding wings that includes controlling a plurality of thrust producing components of an aircraft to cause the aircraft to rise vertically when wings of the aircraft are in a first folded configuration, where when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded configuration, a leading edge of each wing is oriented in a vertical direction setting motor controller gains based on the wings of the aircraft being in the first folded configuration, and causing the aircraft to align with a direction of airflow when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded configuration, and controlling thrust producing components and control surfaces and internal articulation mechanisms of the aircraft to cause the aircraft to transition from folded wing configuration to unfolded wing configuration. Systems and computer program products are also provided.

Disclosed are methods and systems for facilitating takeoff and landing of an aircraft. For instance, the method may include obtaining aircraft information and retrieving vertiport information for a desired landing or takeoff location area. The method may further include determining an aircraft path including a vertical path portion and a cruise path portion; determining a dynamic switchover point between the vertical path portion and the cruise path portion along the aircraft path; and transmitting control information including a vertical control portion and a cruise control portion to aircraft propulsion systems. Wherein the aircraft propulsion systems will operate under one of the vertical control portion or the cruise control portion until the aircraft reaches the dynamic switchover point, and wherein the aircraft propulsion systems will operate under the other of the vertical control portion or the cruise control portion after the aircraft reaches the dynamic switchover point.

A technique for avoiding a dynamic obstacle in a vicinity of UAV while the UAV flies a mission along a planned route includes: receiving a wireless radio signal containing information related to the dynamic obstacle in an audible speech format; translating the audible speech format to a text format; analyzing the information to determine an identity of the dynamic obstacle and determine whether the information relates to a flightpath, speed, or heading of the dynamic obstacle; in response to determining that the information relates to the flightpath, speed, or heading of the dynamic obstacle, determining an updated flightpath, speed or heading for the dynamic obstacle; comparing the updated flightpath, speed, or heading to the planned route; and in response to detecting a conflict between the dynamic obstacle and the UAV based on the comparing, performing an action by the UAV to avoid the conflict with the dynamic obstacle.

The present disclosure relates generally to flight control of electric aircraft and other powered aerial vehicles. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed, comprising: receiving a descent rate command from a pilot input device, determining a proximity of each propeller of at least two propellers to a vortex ring state; and controlling the aircraft's descent rate to be less than the commanded descent rate when at least one of the at least two propellers is within a first threshold proximity to the vortex ring state.

A controller for an aerial vehicle, the aerial vehicle comprising a fuselage, fixed wings, and a multi-rotor assembly, the fixed wings disposed on both sides of the fuselage, and the multi-rotor assembly comprising at least two rotors disposed on either the fuselage or the fixed wings. The controller may comprise at least one memory storing at least one instruction set configured to control the vehicle, and at least one processor, communicatively coupled to the at least one memory. When the aerial vehicle operates, the at least one processor executes the at least one instruction set to, during cruise of the aerial vehicle, control at least a portion of the rotors of the multi-rotor assembly to actively rotate to provide a force in a vertical direction so that the multi-rotor assembly and the fixed wings together provide lift for the aerial vehicle.