VTOL emergency landing system and method
US11562654B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 22, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/104
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for automated vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft emergency landing is disclosed. The system receives a plurality of inputs from onboard modules including aircraft state, vehicle health, acceptable landing zone (LZ), emergency landing path, and 3D world model to prepare an emergency landing procedure when necessary. If functional onboard an unmanned VTOL aircraft, the vehicle health module determines an emergency landing requirement, the system commands a damage tolerant autopilot to perform the emergency procedure and automatically control the VTOL aircraft. If functional onboard a manned VTOL aircraft, an operator or the vehicle health module initiates the emergency landing. Regardless of initiation, the emergency landing system controls, or provides guidance for manned control of, the VTOL aircraft from the point of initiation through touchdown at a threat differentiated preferred LZ via failure-based flight control inputs for automatic landing, or autonomous autorotation entry, glide, and flare.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.