Control of aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for autonomously controlling an aircraft with folding wings and vertical takeoff and landing capability is described, the method including controlling a plurality of thrust-generating components of an aircraft to lift the aircraft vertically when the aircraft's wings are in a first folded configuration, setting motor controller gains based on a vertical orientation of a leading edge of each wing when the aircraft's wings are in the first folded configuration and the aircraft's wings being in the first folded configuration, aligning the aircraft with an airflow direction when the aircraft's wings are in the first folded configuration, and controlling the thrust-generating components, control surfaces, and internal articulation mechanisms of the aircraft to transition the aircraft from a folded wing configuration to a deployed wing configuration. Systems and computer program products are also described.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 024,693, filed May 14, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to aircraft, and in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, to systems, methods and computer program products for controlling aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing. [Background technology]

[0003] A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft is one that can hover, take off, and land vertically. For example, VTOL aircraft may include various types of aircraft, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and other aircraft with powered rotors, such as cyclocopters (e.g., cyclogyros) and tiltrotors. In some cases, VTOL aircraft can operate in modes other than VTOL, such as conventional take-off and landing (CTOL), short take-off and landing (STOL), and / or short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL). Other VTOL aircraft, such as some helicopters, can operate exclusively in VTOL mode. This is due to the lack of landing gear that can handle horizontal motion.

[0004] However, some VTOL aircraft designs may suffer from poor stability and, based on the design, may pose problems for the pilot of the VTOL aircraft. For example, the pilot of a VTOL aircraft may have to operate many controls with precise control in a short period of time depending on the phase of the VTOL aircraft's flight. In such instances, it may be particularly complex for the pilot to keep the VTOL aircraft in the correct orientation as the VTOL aircraft takes off. In such situations, a delay in the pilot's response may lead to a combination of errors and, potentially, a crash of the VTOL aircraft. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A system, method and computer program product for controlling an aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing with the potential for augmented pilot input or for use in autonomous aircraft navigation is disclosed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Further embodiments are described in the following numbered clauses.

[0007] Clause 1: A computer-implemented method for autonomously controlling the transition of an aircraft between a hover attitude and a forward flight attitude, the computer-implemented method comprising: controlling, by at least one processor, a plurality of thrust-generating components of the aircraft to vertically lift the aircraft when the wings of the aircraft are in a first folded attitude, the first folded attitude being an attitude in which a leading edge of each wing is oriented vertically when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded attitude; setting, by the at least one processor, motor controller gains based on the wings of the aircraft being in the first folded attitude; and aligning, by the at least one processor, the aircraft with the direction of airflow when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded attitude.

[0008] Clause 2: The computer-implemented method of Clause 1, wherein a first thrust generating component of the plurality of thrust generating components of the aircraft is attached to a first wing of the wing of the aircraft, and a second thrust generating component of the plurality of thrust generating components of the aircraft is attached to a second wing of the wing of the aircraft, and when the wing of the aircraft is in a first folding orientation, the first thrust generating component and the second thrust generating component are oriented to generate thrust in a vertically upward direction.

[0009] Clause 3: The computer-implemented method of clause 1 or clause 2, further comprising determining that the aircraft is aligned with the direction of the airflow when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded position and the aircraft is in flight.

[0010] Clause 4: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 to 3, further comprising determining the center of gravity of the aircraft before supplying power to the plurality of thrust-generating components of the aircraft to lift the aircraft vertically.

[0011] Clause 5: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 to 4, further comprising determining when the aircraft has reached a target altitude, determining when the heading of the aircraft is consistent with a predetermined heading, and changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folded position based on the airspeed of the aircraft.

[0012] Clause 6: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 to 5, further comprising determining whether the orientation of the aircraft is consistent with a predetermined orientation, and adjusting flight control surfaces of the aircraft based on a determination that the orientation of the aircraft is not consistent with the predetermined orientation.

[0013] Clause 7: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 to 6, further comprising: determining whether the direction of the aircraft is consistent with a predetermined direction; and, based on a determination that the direction of the aircraft is not consistent with the predetermined direction, supplying power to one of the plurality of thrust-generating components of the aircraft to change the direction of the aircraft.

[0014] Clause 8: A system for autonomously controlling the transition of an aircraft between a hover attitude and a forward flight attitude, the system comprising at least one processor programmed or configured to: control a plurality of thrust-generating components of the aircraft to vertically lift the aircraft when the wings of the aircraft are in a first folded attitude, wherein a leading edge of each wing is oriented vertically when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded attitude; set motor controller gains based on the wings of the aircraft being in the first folded attitude; and align the aircraft with the direction of airflow when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded attitude.

[0015] Clause 9: The system described in Clause 8, wherein a first propulsion generating component of the plurality of propulsion generating components of the aircraft is attached to a first wing of the wing of the aircraft, and a second propulsion generating component of the plurality of propulsion generating components of the aircraft is attached to a second wing of the wing of the aircraft, and when the wing of the aircraft is in the first folding orientation, the first propulsion generating component and the second propulsion generating component are oriented to generate thrust in a vertically upward direction.

[0016] Clause 10: The system described in clause 8 or clause 9, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to determine that the aircraft is aligned with the direction of the airflow when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded position and the aircraft is in flight.

[0017] Clause 11: The system described in any of clauses 8 to 10, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to determine the center of gravity of the aircraft before supplying power to the plurality of thrust generating components of the aircraft to lift the aircraft vertically.

[0018] Clause 12: The system described in any of clauses 8 to 11, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to determine when the aircraft has reached a target altitude, determine when the heading of the aircraft is consistent with a predetermined direction, and change the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the first folded position based on the airspeed of the aircraft.

[0019] Clause 13: The system described in any of clauses 8 to 12, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to determine whether the orientation of the aircraft is consistent with a predetermined direction, and to adjust flight control surfaces of the aircraft based on a determination that the orientation of the aircraft is not consistent with the predetermined direction.

[0020] Clause 14: The system described in any of clauses 8 to 13, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to determine whether the direction of the aircraft is consistent with a predetermined direction, and, based on a determination that the direction of the aircraft does not match the predetermined direction, to supply power to one of the plurality of thrust generating components of the aircraft to change the direction of the aircraft.

[0021] Clause 15: A computer program product for autonomously controlling a transition of an aircraft between a hover attitude and a forward flight attitude, comprising one or more instructions, when executed by at least one processor, to cause the at least one processor to control a plurality of thrust-generating components of the aircraft to vertically lift when the wings of the aircraft are in a first folded attitude, wherein a leading edge of each wing is oriented vertically when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded attitude; set motor controller gains based on the wings of the aircraft being in the first folded attitude; and align the aircraft with the direction of airflow when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded attitude.

[0022] Clause 16: The computer program product of clause 15, wherein a first thrust generating component of the plurality of thrust generating components of the aircraft is attached to a first wing of the wing of the aircraft, and a second thrust generating component of the plurality of thrust generating components of the aircraft is attached to a second wing of the wing of the aircraft, and when the wing of the aircraft is in a first folding orientation, the first thrust generating component and the second thrust generating component are oriented to generate thrust in a vertically upward direction.

[0023] Clause 17: The computer program product of clause 15 or clause 16, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the at least one processor to determine that the aircraft is aligned with the direction of the airflow when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded position and the aircraft is in flight.

[0024] Clause 18: A computer program product as described in any of clauses 15 to 17, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the at least one processor to determine a center of gravity of the aircraft before supplying power to the plurality of thrust-generating components of the aircraft to lift the aircraft vertically.

[0025] Clause 19: A computer program product as described in any of clauses 15 to 18, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the at least one processor to determine when the aircraft has reached a target altitude, determine that the heading of the aircraft is consistent with a predetermined heading, and change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folded position based on the airspeed of the aircraft.

[0026] Clause 20: A computer program product as described in any of clauses 15 to 19, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the at least one processor to determine whether the orientation of the aircraft is consistent with a predetermined direction, and adjust flight control surfaces of the aircraft based on a determination that the orientation of the aircraft is not consistent with the predetermined direction.

[0027] Clause 21: A computer program product as described in any of clauses 15 to 20, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the at least one processor to determine whether the orientation of the aircraft is consistent with a predetermined orientation, and, based on a determination that the orientation of the aircraft does not match the predetermined orientation, supply power to one of the plurality of thrust generating components of the aircraft to change the orientation of the aircraft.

[0028] Clause 22: A computer-implemented method for autonomously controlling the transition of an aircraft between a hover attitude and a forward flight attitude, the computer-implemented method including: determining, by at least one processor, that the aircraft has reached a target altitude; changing, by at least one processor, a wing folding angle of the aircraft from a first fold attitude, wherein a leading edge of each wing is oriented vertically when the wings of the aircraft are in the first fold attitude; and determining, by at least one processor, whether the fold angle of the wings of the aircraft corresponds to a predetermined fold angle.

[0029] Clause 23: The computer-implemented method of clause 22, further comprising adjusting flight control surfaces of the aircraft based on a determination that the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft corresponds to the predetermined folding angle.

[0030] Clause 24: The computer-implemented method of either clause 22 or clause 23, wherein changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folding position includes changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folding position to a first folding angle based on the airspeed of the aircraft.

[0031] Clause 25: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 22 to 24, further comprising setting a motor controller gain based on the first folding angle of the wing of the aircraft.

[0032] Clause 26: A computer-implemented method according to any one of clauses 22 to 25, wherein determining whether the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft corresponds to the predetermined folding angle includes determining whether the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft corresponds to a second folding position, the second folding position being a position having the wings with a folding angle that is intermediate between the first folding position and an unfolded position.

[0033] Clause 27: A computer-implemented method described in any of clauses 22 to 26, wherein changing the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the first folding position includes changing the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the first folding position at a first transition speed based on the airspeed of the aircraft.

[0034] Clause 28: A computer-implemented method described in any of clauses 22 to 27, further comprising, after determining that the aircraft has reached the target altitude, determining whether the heading of the aircraft is consistent with a predetermined direction, and adjusting flight control surfaces of the aircraft based on a determination that the heading of the aircraft is not consistent with the predetermined direction.

[0035] Clause 29: A computer-implemented method described in any of clauses 22 to 28, wherein changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folded position includes changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folded position to a first folded angle based on a first airspeed of the aircraft, and changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folded angle to an unfolded position based on a second airspeed of the aircraft.

[0036] Clause 30: A computer-implemented method described in any of clauses 22 to 29, wherein determining whether the folding angle of the wing of the aircraft corresponds to the predetermined folding angle includes determining whether the folding angle of the wing of the aircraft corresponds to a folding angle associated with the deployed attitude of the wing of the aircraft.

[0037] Clause 31: A computer-implemented method according to any one of clauses 22 to 30, wherein changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folding angle to an extended attitude based on the second airspeed of the aircraft comprises changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folding angle to an extended attitude at a maximum transition speed based on the second airspeed of the aircraft, the second airspeed being an airspeed equal to a stall speed of the aircraft.

[0038] Clause 32: A computer-implemented method described in any of clauses 22 to 31, further comprising, concurrently with changing the folding angle of the aircraft from the first folding angle to an extended attitude, adjusting flight control surfaces of the aircraft based on a determination that the orientation of the aircraft is not consistent with a predetermined orientation.

[0039] Clause 33: A computer-implemented method according to any of Clauses 22 to 32, wherein changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folded position comprises changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folded position to an extended position based on the airspeed of the aircraft, and determining whether the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft corresponds to the predetermined folding angle comprises determining whether the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft corresponds to a folding angle associated with the extended position of the wings of the aircraft, the method further comprising determining a flight path for the aircraft, and controlling a plurality of thrust-generating components of the aircraft to fly the aircraft according to the flight path based on a determination that the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft corresponds to the folding angle associated with the extended position of the wings of the aircraft.

[0040] Clause 34: A system for autonomously controlling the transition of an aircraft between a hover attitude and a forward flight attitude, the system comprising at least one processor programmed or configured to: determine when the aircraft has reached a target altitude; change the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from a first folding attitude, wherein the leading edge of each wing is oriented vertically when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folding attitude; and determine whether the folding angle of the aircraft's wings corresponds to a predetermined folding angle.

[0041] Clause 35: The system described in Clause 34, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to adjust flight control surfaces of the aircraft based on a determination that the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft corresponds to the predetermined folding angle.

[0042] Clause 36: A system described in either clause 34 or clause 35, wherein when changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folding position, the at least one processor is programmed or configured to change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folding position to a first folding angle based on the airspeed of the aircraft.

[0043] Clause 37: A system described in any of clauses 34 to 36, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to set a motor controller gain based on the first folding angle of the wing of the aircraft.

[0044] Clause 38: A system described in any of clauses 34 to 37, wherein when determining whether the folding angle of the wing of the aircraft corresponds to the predetermined folding angle, the at least one processor is programmed or configured to determine whether the folding angle of the wing of the aircraft corresponds to a second folding position, the second folding position being a position having the wing with a folding angle that is intermediate between the first folding position and the unfolded position.

[0045] Clause 39: A system described in any of clauses 34 to 38, wherein when changing the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the first folding position, the at least one processor is programmed or configured to change the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the first folding position at a first transition speed based on the airspeed of the aircraft.

[0046] Clause 40: A system described in any of Clauses 34 to 39, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to determine whether the orientation of the aircraft is consistent with a predetermined direction after determining that the aircraft has reached the target altitude, and to adjust flight control surfaces of the aircraft based on a determination that the orientation of the aircraft is not consistent with the predetermined direction.

[0047] Clause 41: A system described in any of clauses 34 to 40, wherein when changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folded position, the at least one processor is programmed or configured to change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folded position to a first folded angle based on a first airspeed of the aircraft, and to change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folded angle to an unfolded position based on a second airspeed of the aircraft.

[0048] Clause 42: A system described in any of clauses 34 to 41, wherein when determining whether the folding angle of the wing of the aircraft corresponds to the predetermined folding angle, the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to determine whether the folding angle of the wing of the aircraft corresponds to a folding angle associated with the deployed attitude of the wing of the aircraft.

[0049] Clause 43: A system described in any of Clauses 34 to 42, wherein when changing the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the first folding angle to the deployed attitude based on the second airspeed of the aircraft, the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to change the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the first folding angle to the deployed attitude at a maximum transition speed based on the second airspeed of the aircraft, the second airspeed being an airspeed equal to the stall speed of the aircraft.

[0050] Clause 44: The system described in any of clauses 34 to 43, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to, simultaneously with changing the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the first folding angle to the deployed attitude, adjust flight control surfaces of the aircraft based on a determination that the orientation of the aircraft does not match a predetermined orientation.

[0051] Clause 45: The system described in any of Clauses 34 to 44, wherein, when changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folded position, the at least one processor is programmed or configured to change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folded position to an extended position based on the airspeed of the aircraft; when determining whether the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft matches the predetermined folding angle, the at least one processor is programmed or configured to determine whether the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft matches a folding angle associated with the extended position of the wings of the aircraft; and the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to determine a flight path for the aircraft and, based on a determination that the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft matches the folding angle associated with the extended position of the wings of the aircraft, control a plurality of thrust-generating components of the aircraft to fly the aircraft according to the flight path.

[0052] Clause 46: A computer program product for autonomously controlling the transition of an aircraft between a hover attitude and a forward flight attitude, comprising one or more instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to determine that the aircraft has reached a target altitude, change a wing folding angle of the aircraft from a first fold attitude, wherein a leading edge of each wing is oriented vertically when the wings of the aircraft are in the first fold attitude, and determine whether the fold angle of the wings of the aircraft corresponds to a predetermined fold angle.

[0053] Clause 47: The computer program product of Clause 46, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the at least one processor to adjust flight control surfaces of the aircraft based on a determination that the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft corresponds to the predetermined folding angle.

[0054] Clause 48: A computer program product as described in either Clause 46 or Clause 47, wherein the one or more instructions causing the at least one processor to change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folding position cause the at least one processor to change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folding position to a first folding angle based on the airspeed of the aircraft.

[0055] Clause 49: A computer program product as described in any of clauses 46 to 48, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the at least one processor to set a motor controller gain based on the first folding angle of the wing of the aircraft.

[0056] Clause 50: A computer program product as described in any of clauses 46 to 49, wherein the one or more instructions that cause the at least one processor to determine whether the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft corresponds to the predetermined folding angle cause the at least one processor to determine whether the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft corresponds to a second folding configuration, the second folding configuration being a configuration with the wings having a folding angle that is intermediate between the first folding configuration and an unfolded configuration.

[0057] Clause 51: A computer program product as described in any of clauses 46 to 50, wherein the one or more instructions causing the at least one processor to change the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the first folding position cause the at least one processor to change the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the first folding position at a first transition speed based on the airspeed of the aircraft.

[0058] Clause 52: A computer program product as described in any of clauses 46 to 51, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the at least one processor, after determining that the aircraft has reached the target altitude, to determine whether the heading of the aircraft is consistent with a predetermined direction, and adjust flight control surfaces of the aircraft based on a determination that the heading of the aircraft is not consistent with the predetermined direction.

[0059] Clause 53: A computer program product as described in any of clauses 46 to 52, wherein the one or more instructions causing the at least one processor to change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folded position cause the at least one processor to change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folded position to a first folded position based on a first airspeed of the aircraft, and change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folded angle to an unfolded position based on a second airspeed of the aircraft.

[0060] Clause 54: A computer program product as described in any of clauses 46 to 53, wherein the one or more instructions that cause the at least one processor to determine whether the folding angle of the wing of the aircraft corresponds to the predetermined folding angle cause the at least one processor to determine whether the folding angle of the wing of the aircraft corresponds to a folding angle associated with the deployed attitude of the wing of the aircraft.

[0061] Clause 55: A computer program product as described in any of clauses 46 to 54, wherein the one or more instructions causing the at least one processor to change the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the first folding angle to an extended attitude based on the second airspeed of the aircraft cause the at least one processor to change the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the first folding angle to an extended attitude at a maximum transition speed based on the second airspeed of the aircraft, the second airspeed being an airspeed equal to the stall speed of the aircraft.

[0062] Clause 56: A computer program product as described in any of clauses 46 to 55, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the at least one processor to change the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the first folding angle to an extended attitude while simultaneously adjusting flight control surfaces of the aircraft based on a determination that the orientation of the aircraft does not match a predetermined orientation.

[0063] Clause 57: The one or more instructions for causing the at least one processor to change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folded position cause the at least one processor to change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the first folded position to an extended position based on the airspeed of the aircraft, and the one or more instructions for causing the at least one processor to determine whether the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft corresponds to the predetermined folding angle cause the at least one processor to determine whether the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft corresponds to the predetermined folding angle 57. A computer program product as described in any of clauses 46 to 56, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the at least one processor to determine a flight path for the aircraft and, based on a determination that the folding angles of the wings of the aircraft correspond to the folding angles associated with the deployed attitude of the wings of the aircraft, control a plurality of thrust-generating components of the aircraft to fly the aircraft according to the flight path.

[0064] Clause 58: A computer-implemented method for autonomously controlling the transition of an aircraft between a forward flight attitude and a hovering attitude, the computer-implemented method comprising: controlling the aircraft, by at least one processor, to reduce the airspeed of the aircraft when the aircraft's wings are in a deployed attitude, where the leading edge of each wing is oriented horizontally when the aircraft's wings are in the deployed attitude; determining, by at least one processor, the airspeed of the aircraft; and changing, by the at least one processor, the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the deployed attitude to a first folded attitude, where the leading edge of each wing is oriented vertically when the aircraft's wings are in the first folded attitude, based on the airspeed of the aircraft.

[0065] Clause 59: The computer-implemented method of clause 58, wherein changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the deployed position to the first folded position includes changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the deployed position to the first folded position at a transition speed based on the airspeed of the aircraft.

[0066] Clause 60: The computer-implemented method of either clause 58 or clause 59, wherein changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft at the transition speed comprises changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the deployed attitude to the first folded attitude at the transition speed according to a function based on the airspeed of the aircraft.

[0067] Clause 61: A computer-implemented method described in any of clauses 58 to 60, further comprising: comparing the airspeed of the aircraft to a threshold; determining whether the airspeed of the aircraft is greater than the threshold; and, based on a determination that the airspeed of the aircraft is greater than the threshold, controlling the aircraft to slow down the aircraft.

[0068] Clause 62: A computer-implemented method described in any of clauses 58 to 61, further comprising: comparing the airspeed of the aircraft with a threshold; determining whether the airspeed of the aircraft is less than the threshold; and, based on a determination that the airspeed of the aircraft is less than the threshold, controlling the aircraft to accelerate the aircraft.

[0069] Clause 63: A computer-implemented method described in any of clauses 58 to 62, wherein changing the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the extended position to the first folded position includes changing the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the extended position to the first folded position based on a determination that the airspeed of the aircraft satisfies a threshold.

[0070] Clause 64: A computer-implemented method according to any one of clauses 58 to 63, wherein controlling the aircraft to reduce the airspeed of the aircraft when the wings of the aircraft are in the deployed position comprises controlling a plurality of thrust generating components of the aircraft or flight control surfaces of the aircraft to reduce the airspeed of the aircraft when the wings of the aircraft are in the deployed position.

[0071] Clause 65: A system for autonomously controlling the transition of an aircraft between a forward flight attitude and a hovering attitude, the system comprising at least one processor programmed or configured to: control the aircraft to reduce its airspeed when its wings are in a deployed attitude, wherein a leading edge of each wing is oriented horizontally when the wings of the aircraft are in the deployed attitude; determine the airspeed of the aircraft; and, based on the airspeed of the aircraft, change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the deployed attitude to a first folded attitude, wherein a leading edge of each wing is oriented vertically when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded attitude.

[0072] Clause 66: The system described in Clause 65, wherein when changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the deployed attitude to the first folded attitude, the at least one processor is programmed or configured to change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the deployed attitude to the first folded attitude at a transition speed based on the airspeed of the aircraft.

[0073] Clause 67: A system as described in either Clause 65 or Clause 66, wherein when changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft at the transition speed, the at least one processor is programmed or configured to change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the deployed position to the first folded position at the transition speed in accordance with a function based on the airspeed of the aircraft.

[0074] Clause 68: A system described in any of Clauses 65 to 67, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to compare the airspeed of the aircraft with a threshold value, determine whether the airspeed of the aircraft is greater than the threshold value, and, based on a determination that the airspeed of the aircraft is greater than the threshold value, control the aircraft to slow down the aircraft.

[0075] Clause 69: A system described in any of Clauses 65 to 68, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to compare the airspeed of the aircraft with a threshold value, determine whether the airspeed of the aircraft is less than the threshold value, and, based on a determination that the airspeed of the aircraft is less than the threshold value, control the aircraft to accelerate the aircraft.

[0076] Clause 70: A system described in any of clauses 65 to 69, wherein when changing the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the unfolded position to the first folded position, the at least one processor is programmed or configured to change the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the unfolded position to the first folded position based on a determination that the airspeed of the aircraft satisfies a threshold.

[0077] Clause 71: A system described in any of clauses 65 to 70, wherein when controlling the aircraft to reduce the airspeed of the aircraft when the wings of the aircraft are in the deployed position, the at least one processor is programmed or configured to control multiple thrust generating components of the aircraft or flight control surfaces of the aircraft to reduce the airspeed of the aircraft when the wings of the aircraft are in the deployed position.

[0078] Clause 72: A computer program product for autonomously controlling a transition of an aircraft between a forward flight attitude and a hovering attitude, comprising one or more instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to control the aircraft to reduce the airspeed of the aircraft when the wings of the aircraft are in a deployed attitude, an attitude in which the leading edge of each wing is oriented horizontally when the wings of the aircraft are in the deployed attitude; determine the airspeed of the aircraft; and, based on the airspeed of the aircraft, change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the deployed attitude to a first folded attitude, an attitude in which the leading edge of each wing of the aircraft is oriented vertically when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded attitude.

[0079] Clause 73: The computer program product of clause 72, wherein the one or more instructions causing the at least one processor to change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the extended orientation to the first folded orientation cause the at least one processor to change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the extended orientation to the first folded orientation at a transition speed based on the airspeed of the aircraft.

[0080] Clause 74: The computer program product of clause 72 or clause 73, wherein the one or more instructions causing the at least one processor to change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft at the transition speed cause the at least one processor to change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft from the deployed position to the first folded position at the transition speed in accordance with a function based on the airspeed of the aircraft.

[0081] Clause 75: A computer program product as described in any of clauses 72 to 74, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the at least one processor to compare the airspeed of the aircraft with a threshold, determine whether the airspeed of the aircraft is greater than the threshold, and, based on a determination that the airspeed of the aircraft is greater than the threshold, control the aircraft to slow down the aircraft.

[0082] Clause 76: The computer program product described in clauses 72 to 75, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the at least one processor to compare the airspeed of the aircraft with a threshold, determine whether the airspeed of the aircraft is less than the threshold, and, based on a determination that the airspeed of the aircraft is less than the threshold, control the aircraft to accelerate the aircraft.

[0083] Clause 77: A computer program product described in any of Clauses 72 to 76, wherein the one or more instructions that cause the at least one processor to change the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the extended position to the first folded position cause the at least one processor to change the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the extended position to the first folded position based on a determination that the airspeed of the aircraft satisfies a threshold.

[0084] Clause 78: A computer program product described in any of Clauses 72 to 77, wherein the one or more instructions causing the at least one processor to control the aircraft to reduce the airspeed of the aircraft when the wings of the aircraft are in the deployed position cause the at least one processor to control multiple thrust generating components of the aircraft or flight control surfaces of the aircraft to reduce the airspeed of the aircraft when the wings of the aircraft are in the deployed position.

[0085] The configuration and features of the present disclosure, as well as the method of operation and function of the associated elements of structure, and the combination of materials and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon review of the following description and appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in the various drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the," when used in the specification and claims, include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0086] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of a system for controlling an aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing. [Figure 1B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of an aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing. [Figure 2] 1C is a schematic diagram of a non-limiting aspect or embodiment of one or more devices and / or one or more system components of FIGS. 1A and 1B. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart of a non-limiting embodiment of a process for controlling an aircraft. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart of a non-limiting embodiment of a process for controlling an aircraft. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart of a non-limiting embodiment of a process for controlling an aircraft. [Figure 6] 1 is a dimensionless graph showing the wing transition profile based on percent stall speed as a function of fold percentage. [Figure 7] 1 is a dimensionless graph showing the wing transition profile based on percent stall speed as a function of fold percentage. [Figure 8] 1 is a dimensionless graph showing the wing transition profile based on percent stall speed as a function of fold percentage. [Figure 9] 1 shows schematic diagrams of non-limiting embodiments of different wing attitudes for a wing of an aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0087] For purposes of the following description, the terms "end," "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "lateral," "longitudinal," and derivatives thereof, shall refer to the present disclosure as oriented in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates various alternative modifications and step sequences unless otherwise specified. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and described in the following specification, are merely exemplary embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure. As such, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects of embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting, unless otherwise indicated.

[0088] When used herein, aspects, components, elements, structures, acts, steps, functions, instructions, and the like should not be construed as critical or essential unless expressly stated as such. Additionally, the article "a," "an," or "an" as used herein is intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with "one or more" and "at least one." The singular forms "a," "an," and "the," when used in the specification and claims, include plural referents unless otherwise indicated. Additionally, the terms "set" and "group," when used herein, are intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, combinations of related and unrelated items, etc.) and may be used interchangeably with "one or more" or "at least one." When only one item is intended, "a" or similar language is used. Additionally, terms such as "has," "have," and "having," as used herein, are intended to be open-ended. Additionally, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on," unless otherwise noted. Additionally, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on," unless otherwise noted. Additionally, the phrase "based on" may also mean "in response to," and may refer to circumstances that automatically initiate certain actions of an electronic apparatus (e.g., a processor, a computing device, etc.), as appropriate herein.

[0089] The term "system," as used herein, may refer to one or more computing devices or combinations of computing devices, such as, but not limited to, a processor, a server, a client device, a software application, and / or other similar components. Additionally, a reference to a "server" or a "processor," as used herein, may refer to a previously listed server and / or processor, a different server and / or processor, and / or a combination of servers and / or processors listed as performing the previous step or function. For example, as used in the specification and claims, a first server and / or processor listed as performing a first step or function may refer to the same or a different server and / or processor listed as performing a second step or function.

[0090] 1A, which is a simplified diagram of an example environment 100 in which the apparatus, systems, methods, and / or products described herein may be implemented. As shown in FIG. 1A, environment 100 includes an aircraft 102, an aircraft control system 104, and a communication network 106. Aircraft 102, aircraft control system 104, and / or communication network 106 may be interconnected (e.g., establish a connection to communicate) via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

[0091] Aircraft 102 may include one or more aircraft configured to be controlled (e.g., autonomously controlled, semi-autonomously controlled) for vertical takeoff and landing operations and for flight to or from a destination along a flight path. For example, aircraft 102 may include an aircraft having an airframe such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0312251, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0092] An aircraft 102 as described herein can repeatedly transform in flight between a compact, maneuverable hovering attitude (e.g., when the wings of the aircraft 102 are in a first folded position) and a forward flight attitude (e.g., when the wings of the aircraft 102 are in a deployed position) that allows for effective horizontal flight (e.g., a cruising attitude, cruising state, etc.). In the hovering or low-speed attitude, the weight of the aircraft 102 can be substantially supported by thrust from thrust-generating components of the aircraft 102. The thrust-generating components can also be coupled to the wings so that they are tilted to direct their thrust more vertically. In the forward flight attitude, the weight of the aircraft 102 can be substantially supported by lift generated from the wings, and the thrust can be directed horizontally. Additionally or alternatively, a continuous range of intermediate wing attitudes (e.g., based on wing tilt position) can also be employed to provide variable levels of thrust and / or wing deployment lift. An aircraft 102 as disclosed herein may have the inherent ability to smoothly and stably change (e.g., transition) between wing attitudes and / or maneuver without restriction when the wings are in a particular attitude, such as an intermediate attitude, during flight of the aircraft 102.

[0093] In some non-limiting examples, the performance characteristics of the aircraft 102 may be achieved by utilizing a folding wing structure, such as the wing and wing articulation system 110 described below, which employs a folding action whereby the wings or wing portions pivot on a tilt axis. The tilt axis may be an axis oblique to the longitudinal or lateral axis of the aircraft 102. Such folding action may point the leading edge of each wing in an upward or forward direction, depending on the wing folding angle. In some non-limiting embodiments, in the folded configuration, the wings may extend along the fuselage of the aircraft 102 to reduce the moment of inertia caused by the wing's mass, the aerodynamic impact of the wings when the aircraft 102 is in a hovering configuration, and the amount of space required for storage and / or ground transportation of the aircraft 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, the wing portions folded in this manner may include thrust-generating components coupled to the wing to enable thrust to be varied between horizontal and vertical directions when the wing's folding is altered (e.g., when the wings are tilted or folded).

[0094] Aircraft control system 104 may include one or more devices configured to communicate (send and / or receive information) with aircraft 102 and / or provide control signals (e.g., commands, command signals, etc.) to aircraft 102 via communications network 106. For example, aircraft control system 104 may include a computing device, such as a server. Aircraft control system 104 may be configured to transmit data to and / or receive data from communications network 106 via an imaging system and / or a near-field communication connection (e.g., a near field communication (NFC) connection, an RFID communication connection, a Bluetooth® communication connection, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, aircraft control system 104 may be associated with a user, as described herein.

[0095] The communication network 106 may include one or more wired and / or wireless networks. For example, the communication network 106 may include a cellular network (e.g., a long-term evolution (LTE) network, a third-generation (3G) network, a fourth-generation (4G) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, etc.), a public land mobile network (PLMN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a telephone network (e.g., a public switched telephone network (PSTN)), a private network, an ad hoc network, an intranet, the Internet, an optical fiber-based network, a cloud computing network, etc., and / or a combination of some or all of these or other types of networks.

[0096] The number and configuration of systems and devices shown in FIG. 1A are provided as examples. There may be additional, fewer, different, or differently configured systems and / or devices. Furthermore, two or more of the systems and / or devices shown in FIG. 1A may be implemented in a single system or device, or the single system or device shown in FIG. 1A may be implemented as multiple distributed systems or devices. Additionally or alternatively, a set of systems or devices (e.g., one or more systems, one or more devices) in environment 100 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of systems or another set of devices in environment 100.

[0097] 1B, which is a schematic diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of an aircraft 102. As shown in FIG. 1B, the aircraft 102 includes a flight control system 108, a wing articulation system 110, a thrust generating component 112, servo motors 114, a wireless communication device 116, and sensors 118. These components of the aircraft 102 may be interconnected (e.g., establish a connection to communicate, etc.) via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

[0098] Flight control system 108 may include one or more devices configured to control the operation of aircraft 102. For example, flight control system 108 may include one or more computing devices, such as one or more processors, controllers, microcontrollers, etc. In some non-limiting embodiments, flight control system 108 may receive input from another component, such as a sensor in sensor group 118, and flight control system 108 may cause another component, such as a servo motor in servo motor group 114, to perform an action (e.g., a control maneuver) based on the input received by flight control system 108.

[0099] The wing articulation system 110 may include one or more devices configured to vary the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft 102. For example, the wing articulation system 110 may include one or more motors (e.g., one or more electric motors), one or more motor drive controllers (e.g., one or more joint motor drivers), one or more gearboxes, one or more encoders (e.g., one or more linear drive encoders), one or more sensors, one or more actuators, one or more wing coupling devices, one or more wing pivot devices, and / or one or more linear drive assemblies. In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may cause the wing articulation system 110 to vary the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft 102 based on the airspeed of the aircraft 102.

[0100] The thrust generating components 112 may include multiple devices configured to provide thrust to the aircraft 102. For example, the thrust generating components 112 may include multiple aircraft motors (e.g., one or more electric aircraft motors, one or more piston engines, one or more gas turbine engines, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments, the thrust generating components 112 may include multiple aircraft motors including propellers that provide thrust in the direction of flight (e.g., heading) of the aircraft 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, the aircraft 102 may omit the wing articulation system 110, and the aircraft 102 may be configured to change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft 102 using one or more of the thrust generating components 112. For example, the wings of the aircraft 102 may transition without an articulation mechanism (e.g., the wing articulation system 110). In such an example, the wings of the aircraft 102 may transition using only thrust from the thrust generating components 112.

[0101] Servo motors 114 may include one or more devices, such as one or more servo motors configured to enable precise control of the angular or linear position, velocity, and acceleration of components of aircraft 102. For example, servo motors 114 may include actuators (e.g., rotary or linear actuators) and / or motors coupled to sensors for feedback and a control device (e.g., controller) designed for use with servo motors 114. In some non-limiting embodiments, servo motors 114 may include one or more servo motors for controlling components of aircraft 102 to control the direction and / or orientation of flight of aircraft 102. For example, servo motors 114 may include one or more servo motors for controlling flight control surfaces of aircraft 102 (e.g., flaps, ailerons, elevators, rudder, tabs, spoilers, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments, the servo motors 114 may include one or more tail servo motors (e.g., one or more tail rudder servo motors), one or more aileron servo motors, one or more elevator servo motors, a variable pitch servo motor that adjusts the pitch of the propeller blades, one or more flap servo motors, etc.

[0102] The wireless communication device 116 may include one or more devices configured to enable the aircraft 102 to communicate with another electronic device or entity, such as the aircraft control system 104. For example, the wireless communication device 116 may include one or more radios, which may include one or more transceivers, one or more transmitters, one or more receivers, etc. In some non-limiting embodiments, the wireless communication device 116 may include one or more devices that enable only one-way communication, such as one or more transmitters or receivers. For example, the wireless communication device 116 may include a receiver without a transmitter. In such an example, the aircraft 102 can receive information (e.g., control signals from the aircraft control system 104, information related to the flight path of the aircraft 102, etc.) using the wireless communication device 116, but the aircraft 102 cannot transmit information.

[0103] The sensors 118 may include one or more devices configured to provide information regarding the aircraft 102. For example, the sensors 118 may include one or more force sensors associated with components on the aircraft 102, one or more accelerometers, one or more gyroscopes, one or more position sensors (e.g., one or more Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors), one or more navigation sensors (e.g., one or more magnetic sensors providing an indication of north direction), one or more altitude sensors, one or more airspeed sensors, one or more electrical sensors (e.g., one or more power source (e.g., battery) sensors, one or more sensors associated with the current and / or voltage of a power source from a power source or other electrical component of the aircraft 102), one or more component position sensors (e.g., one or more sensors associated with a flight control surface of the aircraft 102, one or more sensors associated with the position of a wing of the aircraft 102, one or more sensors associated with the folding angle of a wing of the aircraft 102, etc.).

[0104] 2, a schematic diagram of components of an example device 200 is shown. Device 200 may correspond to one or more devices of aircraft 102. For example, device 200 may correspond to flight control system 108. In some non-limiting embodiments, aircraft 102 (e.g., flight control system 108 of aircraft 102) may include at least one device 200 and / or at least one component of device 200. As shown in FIG. 2, device 200 may include a bus 202, a processor 204, a memory 206, a storage component 208, an input component 210, an output component 212, and a communication interface 214.

[0105] Bus 202 may include components that enable communication between components of device 200. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, processor 204 may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, processor 204 may include a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), etc.), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and / or any processing component that can be programmed to perform a function (e.g., a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.). Memory 206 may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, etc.) that stores information and / or instructions for use by processor 204.

[0106] Storage component 208 may store information and / or software related to the operation and utilization of device 200. For example, storage component 208 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, solid-state disk, etc.), a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetic tape, and / or another type of computer-readable medium along with a corresponding drive.

[0107] Input component 210 may include, for example, components that enable device 200 to receive information via user input (e.g., a touchscreen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, a microphone, a camera, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, input component 210 may include a sensor (e.g., one of sensors 118) that senses information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) component, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an actuator, etc.). Output component 212 may include components that generate output information from device 200 (e.g., a display, a speaker, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.).

[0108] Communication interface 214 may include transceiver-like components (e.g., a transceiver, a separate receiver and transmitter, etc.) that enable device 200 to communicate with other devices, for example, via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. Communication interface 214 may enable device 200 to receive information from another device and / or provide information to another device. For example, communication interface 214 may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (UBS) interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a cellular network interface, etc.

[0109] The device 200 may perform one or more processes described herein. The device 200 may perform those processes based on the processor 204 executing software instructions stored by a computer-readable medium, such as the memory 206 and / or the storage component 208. A computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) is defined herein as a non-transitory storage device. A non-transitory storage device may include storage space disposed within a single physical storage device or storage space spread across multiple physical storage devices.

[0110] Software instructions can be loaded into memory 206 and / or storage component 208 from another computer-readable medium or from another device via communications interface 214. When executed, the software instructions stored in memory 206 and / or storage component 208 can cause processor 204 to perform one or more of the processes described herein. Additionally or alternatively, hard-wired circuitry can be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to perform one or more of the processes described herein. Thus, embodiments or aspects described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0111] The memory 206 and / or storage component 208 may include a data storage or one or more data structures (e.g., a database, etc.). The device 200 may receive information from the memory 206 and / or storage component 208, store information in the memory and / or storage component, transmit information to the memory and / or storage component, or retrieve information stored in the data storage or one or more data structures within the memory and / or storage component. For example, the information may include data related to a set of profiles, input data, output data, transaction data, account data, or any combination thereof.

[0112] The number and arrangement of components shown in Figure 2 are provided as examples. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, device 200 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or components arranged differently than those shown in Figure 2. Additionally or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of device 200 may perform one or more functions that are described as being performed by another set of components of device 200.

[0113] 3 , a flowchart of a non-limiting aspect or embodiment of a process 300 for autonomously controlling the transition of an aircraft between a hover attitude and a forward flight attitude is illustrated. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more of the functions described with respect to process 300 may be performed (e.g., completely, partially, etc.) by the aircraft 102, such as by the flight control system 108 of the aircraft 102. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more of the steps of process 300 described below may be performed (e.g., completely, partially, etc.) by another device or group of devices independent of and / or including the flight control system 108, such as the aircraft control system 104, the wing articulation system 110, and / or the servo motors 114.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 3 , in step 302, the process 300 may include controlling thrust-generating components of the aircraft. For example, the flight control system 108 may control the thrust-generating components of the aircraft 102 to cause the aircraft 102 to climb vertically when the wings of the aircraft 102 are in a first folded position (e.g., a multicopter position). In such examples, the fuselage of the aircraft 102 may be maintained substantially horizontal with respect to the Earth when the wings of the aircraft 102 are in the first folded position and the aircraft 102 climbs vertically. In some non-limiting embodiments, when the wings of the aircraft 102 are in the first folded position, the leading edge of each wing is oriented vertically. Furthermore, when the wings of the aircraft 102 are in the first folded position, the wings may be in a maximum amount of articulation. For example, the wings may be in a maximum articulation position based on the amount of articulation that can be performed by the wing articulation system 110. In some non-limiting embodiments, a first thrust generating component of the plurality of thrust generating components of the aircraft 102 may be attached to a first wing of the aircraft 102, and a second thrust generating component of the plurality of thrust generating components of the aircraft 102 may be attached to a second wing of the aircraft 102. When the aircraft's wings are in a first folded position, the first thrust generating component and the second thrust generating component may be oriented to generate thrust in a vertically upward direction. In this manner, the first thrust generating component and the second thrust generating component enable the aircraft 102 to perform a vertical takeoff maneuver (e.g., ascending vertically from a position on the ground) and / or hover at a desired altitude. In some non-limiting embodiments, when the wings of the aircraft 102 are in a first folded position, the size of the safe operating envelope of the aircraft 102 may be 10% to 75% smaller than when the wings of the aircraft 102 are in an extended position.In some non-limiting embodiments, when the wings of the aircraft 102 are in the first folded position, the size of the safe operating envelope of the aircraft 102 may be at least 75% smaller than when the wings of the aircraft 102 are in the deployed position.

[0115] In some non-limiting embodiments, flight control system 108 may determine the attitude of the wings of aircraft 102. For example, flight control system 108 may determine whether the attitude of the wings of aircraft 102 corresponds to a first wing folding attitude based on one sensor of sensor constellation 118 (e.g., a wing position sensor of sensor constellation 118). In some non-limiting embodiments, flight control system 108 may determine the attitude of the wings of aircraft 102 based on a wing folding angle of aircraft 102. For example, flight control system 108 may determine the wing folding angle of aircraft 102 based on one sensor of sensor constellation 118 (e.g., a wing folding angle sensor of sensor constellation 118), and flight control system 108 may determine that the wing folding angle of aircraft 102 corresponds to a first wing folding attitude.

[0116] In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may determine the center of gravity of the aircraft 102. For example, the flight control system 108 may determine the center of gravity of the aircraft 102 before providing power to multiple thrust-generating components of the aircraft 102 to lift the aircraft 102 vertically. In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may determine and / or adjust the orientation of the aircraft 102 based on the center of gravity of the aircraft 102.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 3 , in step 304, process 300 may include setting motor controller gains (e.g., motor control gains associated with wing articulation system 110, motor control gains associated with thrust generating components 112, motor control gains associated with servo motors 114, etc.). For example, flight control system 108 may set the motor controller gains based on the attitude of the aircraft's wings. In such examples, flight control system 108 may set the motor controller gains based on the aircraft's wings being in a first folded attitude. In some non-limiting embodiments, flight control system 108 may set the motor controller gains by receiving a first input from a first sensor in sensor constellation 118, causing a change in one component of aircraft 102 (e.g., a flight control surface of aircraft 102, thrust generating components 112 of aircraft 102, wing articulation system 110, etc.), receiving a second input from a second sensor in sensor constellation 118, and determining an amount of change in the appearance of aircraft 102 (e.g., direction, airspeed, altitude, etc.) based on causing the change in the component of aircraft 102.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 3 , in step 306, the process 300 may include aligning the aircraft 102 with the direction of the airflow. For example, the flight control system 108 may align the aircraft 102 with the direction of the airflow (e.g., aligning a wind vane with the direction of the wind impinging on the aircraft 102). In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may align the aircraft 102 with the direction of the airflow when the wings of the aircraft 102 are in a first folded position. In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may align the aircraft 102 with the direction of the airflow by adjusting flight control surfaces of the aircraft 102 and / or by controlling thrust-generating components of the aircraft 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may align the aircraft 102 with the direction of the airflow by allowing the airflow to cause the aircraft 102 to change direction so that the aircraft 102 is aligned with the direction of the airflow. For example, the flight control system 108 can align the aircraft 102 with the direction of the airflow by allowing the airflow to align the nose of the aircraft 102 with the direction of the airflow. In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 can determine that the aircraft 102 is aligning with the direction of the airflow when the wings of the aircraft 102 are in a first folded position and the aircraft is in flight.

[0119] In some non-limiting embodiments, flight control system 108 can determine that the aircraft has reached a target altitude, a target location, and / or a flight path. For example, flight control system 108 can determine that the aircraft has reached a target altitude based on output from one of sensors in sensor constellation 118 (e.g., an altitude sensor in sensor constellation 118). In some non-limiting embodiments, flight control system 108 can change the folding angle of the wings of aircraft 102 based on determining that the aircraft has reached a target altitude, a target location, and / or a flight path. For example, flight control system 108 can change the folding angle of the wings of aircraft 102 from a first folding attitude to a first folding angle based on determining that the aircraft 102 has reached a target altitude. In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 can change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft 102 by controlling (e.g., sending control signals to) the wing articulation system 110, and the wing articulation system 110 can articulate the wings of the aircraft 102 from a first folding attitude to a first folding angle.

[0120] In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may determine whether the heading of the aircraft 102 is consistent with a predetermined direction (e.g., a predetermined direction based on the airspeed of the aircraft 102, a predetermined direction based on the altitude of the aircraft 102, a predetermined direction based on the position of the aircraft 102, etc.). For example, the flight control system 108 may determine the heading of the aircraft 102 based on a pitch axis (e.g., a lateral axis), a yaw axis (e.g., a vertical axis), and / or a roll axis (e.g., a longitudinal axis) associated with the aircraft 102. The flight control system 108 may compare the heading of the aircraft 102 with the predetermined direction of the aircraft 102 to determine whether the heading of the aircraft 102 is consistent with the predetermined direction of the aircraft 102. If the flight control system 108 determines that the heading of the aircraft 102 is consistent with the predetermined direction of the aircraft 102, the flight control system 108 may determine that the heading of the aircraft 102 is consistent with the predetermined direction of the aircraft 102. If the flight control system 108 determines that the orientation of the aircraft 102 does not match the predetermined orientation of the aircraft 102, the flight control system 108 can determine that the orientation of the aircraft 102 does not match the predetermined orientation of the aircraft 102.

[0121] In some non-limiting embodiments, flight control system 108 can adjust flight control surfaces of aircraft 102 based on a determination that the heading of the aircraft is not aligned with the predetermined direction. Additionally or alternatively, flight control system 108 can control (e.g., provide power to) one or more thrust-generating components of multiple thrust-generating components of aircraft 102 to change the heading of aircraft 102 based on a determination that the heading of the aircraft is not aligned with the predetermined direction.

[0122] In some non-limiting embodiments, the multiple propulsion-generating components of the aircraft 102 may include multiple aircraft motors, each of which may include a propeller. The pitch of propeller blades of the propeller may be adjustable based on a servo motor 114 (e.g., one servo motor of servo motors 114, the servo motor dedicated to adjusting the pitch of the propeller blades). In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may control a servo motor dedicated to adjusting the pitch of the propeller blades of one or more aircraft motors of the multiple aircraft motors of the aircraft 102 (e.g., one servo motor of servo motors 114) to change the direction of the aircraft 102. For example, the flight control system 108 may control a servo motor to change the direction of the aircraft 102 along a pitch axis, a roll axis, and / or a yaw axis based on a determination that the direction of the aircraft is not aligned with a predetermined direction. In some non-limiting embodiments, flight control system 108 can control a first servo motor dedicated to adjusting the pitch of the propeller blades of a first aircraft motor of the plurality of aircraft motors and a second servo motor dedicated to adjusting the pitch of the propeller blades of a second aircraft motor of the plurality of aircraft motors to change the direction of aircraft 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, flight control system 108 can control one servo motor to change the direction of aircraft 102 along the pitch axis, the roll axis, and / or the yaw axis when the wings of aircraft 102 are in a first folded position or when the wings of aircraft 102 are in an extended position.

[0123] In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 can change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft 102. For example, the flight control system 108 can change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft 102 by controlling (e.g., sending control signals to) the wing articulation system 110 and / or the thrust generating component 112. In some non-limiting embodiments, the wing articulation system 110 can change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft 102 by actuating a drive (e.g., a linear drive) that changes the folding angle of the wings based on the flight control system 108 controlling the wing articulation system 110. Additionally or alternatively, the thrust generating component 112 can change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft 102 by actuating the thrust generating component based on the flight control system 108 controlling the thrust generating component 112.

[0124] In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 can change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft 102 from a first folded position. For example, the flight control system 108 can change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft 102 from a first folded position to a first folded angle based on the airspeed of the aircraft 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 can change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft 102 based on a control signal received from the aircraft control system 104. For example, the flight control system 108 can receive a control signal from the aircraft control system 104, and the flight control system 108 can change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft 102 based on the control signal (e.g., based on data associated with a particular folding angle included in the control signal). In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 can change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft 102 to maintain the heading of the aircraft 102. For example, the flight control system 108 may change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft 102 to maintain the orientation of the aircraft 102 while changing the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft 102 so that the fuselage of the aircraft 102 is substantially parallel to the Earth.

[0125] 4, a flowchart of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a process 400 for autonomously controlling the transition of an aircraft between a hover attitude and a forward flight attitude is illustrated. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more of the functions described with respect to process 400 may be performed (fully, partially, etc.) by flight control system 108. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more of the steps of process 400 described below may be performed (e.g., fully, partially, etc.) by another device or group of devices independent of and / or including flight control system 108, such as aircraft control system 104, wing articulation system 110, and / or servo motors 114. In some non-limiting embodiments, process 400 may be performed subsequent to process 300.

[0126] 4, in step 402, process 400 may include determining that the aircraft has reached a target altitude. For example, flight control system 108 may determine that the aircraft 102 has reached the target altitude based on controlling multiple thrust-generating components of aircraft 102 to cause the aircraft to climb vertically to the target altitude when the wings of the aircraft 102 are in a first folded position.

[0127] In some non-limiting embodiments, flight control system 108 may determine whether the heading of aircraft 102 is consistent with the predetermined direction after determining that aircraft 102 has reached the target altitude. In some non-limiting embodiments, flight control system 108 may adjust flight control surfaces of aircraft 102 based on determining that the heading of aircraft 102 is not consistent with the predetermined direction.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 4 , in step 404, process 400 may include changing the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from a first folding position. For example, the flight control system 108 may change (e.g., transition) the folding angle of the aircraft's 102 wings from the first folding position based on a determination that the aircraft 102 has reached a target altitude. In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may change the folding angle of the aircraft's 102 wings from the first folding position to the first folding angle based on the airspeed of the aircraft 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may set motor controller gains based on the first folding angle of the aircraft's 102 wings. For example, the flight control system 108 may set motor controller gains when the aircraft's 102 wings are at the first folding angle.

[0129] In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 can vary the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102 based on the airspeed of the aircraft. For example, the flight control system 108 can vary the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102 according to a function (e.g., a transition profile) based on the airspeed of the aircraft. With reference to FIGS. 6-8 , the flight control system 108 can vary the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102 according to a function 600, 700, or 800 based on the airspeed of the aircraft, the function being depicted as a percentage of the stall speed of the aircraft 102. As shown in FIGS. 6-8 , a folding percentage of “0” indicates that the wings of the aircraft 102 are in an extended orientation, and a folding percentage of “1” indicates that the wings of the aircraft 102 are in a first folded orientation. Furthermore, the flight control system 108 can vary the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102 based on a predetermined airspeed of the aircraft 102, which may be the stall speed of the aircraft 102.

[0130] In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 can change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft 102 from a first folded position to a first folded position based on a first airspeed of the aircraft, and the flight control system 108 can change the folding angle of the wings of the aircraft 102 from the first folded position to an extended position (e.g., a forward flight position) based on a second airspeed of the aircraft. In some non-limiting embodiments, the first airspeed and the second airspeed may be different. For example, the second airspeed may be greater than the first airspeed.

[0131] In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 can change the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102 at a transition speed. For example, the flight control system 108 can change the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102 from a first folded configuration at a first transition speed based on the airspeed of the aircraft 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, the transition speed can be based on the speed at which the wing articulation system 110 can change the wing folding angle. In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 can change the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102 from a first folded angle (e.g., a folded angle associated with a second folded configuration) to an extended configuration at a maximum transition speed. For example, the flight control system 108 can change the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102 from a first folded angle to an extended configuration at a maximum transition speed based on the airspeed of the aircraft 102 being equal to the stall speed of the aircraft 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may simultaneously change the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102 from a first folded angle to an extended attitude and adjust flight control surfaces of the aircraft 102 based on a determination that the orientation of the aircraft 102 is not aligned with a predetermined orientation.

[0132] In some non-limiting embodiments, flight control system 108 may adjust one or more flight control surfaces of aircraft 102 based on the attitude of the wings of aircraft 102. For example, flight control system 108 may adjust one or more flight control surfaces (e.g., one or more flaps) of aircraft 102 before the wings of aircraft 102 change from a first folded position to a second folded position.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 4 , in step 406, process 400 may include determining whether the wing folding angle of the aircraft conforms to a predetermined folding angle. For example, flight control system 108 may determine whether the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102 conforms to the predetermined folding angle. In some non-limiting embodiments, flight control system 108 may compare the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102 with the predetermined folding angle to determine whether the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102 conforms to the predetermined folding angle. If flight control system 108 determines that the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102 conforms to the predetermined folding angle, flight control system 108 may determine that the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102 conforms to the predetermined folding angle. If the flight control system 108 determines that the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102 does not match the predetermined folding angle, the flight control system 108 can determine that the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102 does not match the predetermined folding angle.

[0134] In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may adjust flight control surfaces of the aircraft 102 based on the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102. For example, the flight control system 108 may adjust flight control surfaces of the aircraft 102 based on determining that the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102 matches a predetermined wing folding angle.

[0135] In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 can determine whether the wing folding angles of the aircraft 102 are consistent with the predetermined attitude. For example, the flight control system 108 can determine the wing folding angles of the aircraft 102 and compare the wing folding angles to the folding angles associated with the predetermined attitude. If the flight control system 108 determines that the wing folding angles of the aircraft 102 are consistent with the folding angles associated with the predetermined attitude, the flight control system 108 can determine that the wing folding angles of the aircraft 102 are consistent with the predetermined attitude. If the flight control system 108 determines that the wing folding angles of the aircraft 102 are inconsistent with the folding angles associated with the predetermined attitude, the flight control system 108 can determine that the wing folding angles of the aircraft 102 are inconsistent with the predetermined attitude. In some non-limiting embodiments, the predetermined configuration may include a second folded configuration, which may include a configuration of the wings of the aircraft 102 having a folding angle that is intermediate between the first folded configuration and the deployed configuration. In some non-limiting embodiments, the predetermined configuration may include the deployed configuration.

[0136] In some non-limiting embodiments, when the wings of the aircraft 102 are in a deployed position, the leading edge of each wing is oriented horizontally. Additionally or alternatively, when the wings of the aircraft 102 are in a deployed position, the wings may be in a point of no articulation (e.g., zero). For example, the wings may be in a no articulation position based on the amount of articulation provided by the wing articulation system 110. When the wings of the aircraft are in a deployed position, the first thrust-generating component and the second thrust-generating component may be oriented to generate thrust horizontally (e.g., in the forward flight direction). In this manner, the thrust-generating components enable the aircraft 102 to achieve forward flight in a desired direction.

[0137] In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may determine a flight path for the aircraft 102, and the flight control system 108 may control multiple thrust-generating components of the aircraft 102 to fly the aircraft 102 according to the flight path. For example, the flight control system 108 may determine a flight path for the aircraft 102 and control multiple thrust-generating components of the aircraft 102 based on a determination that the wing folding angle of the aircraft matches a wing folding angle associated with the deployed wing attitude of the aircraft 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may control multiple thrust-generating components of the aircraft 102 to fly the aircraft 102 according to the flight path based on the center of gravity of the aircraft 102.

[0138] In some non-limiting embodiments, flight control system 108 may control servo motors dedicated to adjusting the pitch of propeller blades of one or more aircraft motors of multiple aircraft motors of aircraft 102 during flight of aircraft 102. For example, flight control system 108 may control servo motors to vary the pitch of propeller blades of one or more aircraft motors of multiple aircraft motors of aircraft 102 (e.g., feather the propeller blades) to enable aircraft 102 to glide during flight of aircraft 102 along a flight path.

[0139] In some non-limiting embodiments, flight control system 108 may control one or more of the plurality of thrust generating components of aircraft 102 based on energy consumption. For example, flight control system 108 may power one or more thrust generating components that utilize electricity and may omit powering one or more thrust generating components that utilize an internal combustion engine to reduce energy consumption when aircraft 102 is in flight.

[0140] 5, a flowchart of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a process 500 for autonomously controlling the transition of an aircraft between a forward flight attitude and a hover attitude is illustrated. In some non-limiting embodiments, one or more of the steps described with respect to process 500 may be performed (e.g., completely, partially, etc.) by flight control system 108. In some non-limiting embodiments, one or more of the steps of process 500 described below may be performed (e.g., completely, partially, etc.) by another device or group of devices independent of and / or including flight control system 108, such as aircraft control system 104, wing articulation system 110, and / or servo motors 114. In some non-limiting embodiments, process 500 may be performed subsequent to the performance of process 400.

[0141] 5, in step 502, process 500 may include controlling the aircraft to reduce the airspeed of the aircraft. For example, flight control system 108 may control aircraft 102 to reduce the airspeed of aircraft 102 when the wings of aircraft 102 are deployed. In some non-limiting embodiments, flight control system 108 may control aircraft 102 to reduce the airspeed of aircraft 102 when the wings of aircraft 102 are deployed by controlling one or more thrust-generating components and / or flight control surfaces of aircraft 102 to reduce the airspeed of aircraft 102.

[0142] 5, in step 504, process 500 may include determining the airspeed of the aircraft. For example, flight control system 108 may determine the airspeed of aircraft 102 based on one of sensors in sensor constellation 118 (e.g., one airspeed sensor in sensor constellation 118).

[0143] In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may compare the airspeed of the aircraft 102 to a threshold to determine whether the airspeed of the aircraft 102 is greater than or less than the threshold. In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may control the aircraft 102 to slow down the aircraft based on a determination that the airspeed of the aircraft is greater than the threshold. In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may control the aircraft 102 to accelerate the aircraft based on a determination that the airspeed of the aircraft 102 is less than the threshold.

[0144] In some non-limiting embodiments, flight control system 108 may control one or more thrust-generating components of aircraft 102 based on the airspeed of aircraft 102. Additionally or alternatively, flight control system 108 may adjust flight control surfaces of aircraft 102 based on the airspeed of aircraft 102.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 5 , in step 506, process 500 may include changing the folding angle of the aircraft's wings from the deployed orientation. For example, the flight control system 108 may change the folding angle of the aircraft's wing from the deployed orientation based on the airspeed of the aircraft 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may change the folding angle of the aircraft's wing from the deployed orientation to a first folded orientation based on the airspeed of the aircraft 102. For example, the flight control system 108 may change the folding angle of the aircraft's wing from the deployed orientation to a first folded orientation at a transition speed based on the airspeed of the aircraft 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may change the folding angle of the aircraft's wing from the deployed orientation to a first folded orientation at a transition speed according to a function (e.g., function 600, 700, or 800) based on the airspeed of the aircraft 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, the flight control system 108 may change the wing folding angle of the aircraft 102 from the deployed orientation to the first folded orientation based on a determination that the airspeed of the aircraft 102 meets a threshold. In some non-limiting embodiments, the threshold may be equal to a value above the stall speed of the aircraft 102.

[0146] It should be noted that the steps described with respect to Figures 3, 4, and 5 are not limited to their respective figures. Steps may be interchanged between Figures 3, 4, and 5 and are described above with respect to separate figures for illustrative purposes. Additionally, the steps described with respect to Figures 3, 4, and 5 may be implemented manually, semi-autonomously, or autonomously, as appropriate, based on the description of the predetermined operations performed, unless otherwise noted.

[0147] Some non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein in terms of thresholds. As used herein, meeting a threshold refers to a value being greater than the threshold, exceeding the threshold, higher than the threshold, equal to or greater than the threshold, less than the threshold, less than the threshold, lower than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, etc.

[0148] As mentioned above, the present disclosure includes various embodiments of the aircraft 102 capable of efficient forward flight as well as low-speed maneuvers and hovering to achieve vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). In some non-limiting embodiments, the airframe of the aircraft 102 described herein may include a fuselage, e.g., a single elongated fuselage capable of extending substantially horizontally during forward flight. In some non-limiting embodiments, the fuselage may include opposed wings extending therefrom, and each wing may include an inner fixed portion and an outer folding portion (e.g., an outer tilting portion). The outer folding portion of each wing may be configured to fold (e.g., pivot, tilt, etc.) relative to the inner fixed portion about an axis oblique to the longitudinal axis and / or lateral axis of the aircraft 102, e.g., the longitudinal axis of the elongated fuselage or a laterally extending axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated fuselage. In some non-limiting embodiments, the area of ​​each internal fixture can be relatively small to allow for vertically oriented airflow without significant drag during hovering flight. In some non-limiting embodiments, the external fold of each wing can have an area greater than the area of ​​each internal fixture. In some non-limiting embodiments, the external fold of each wing can be configured to fold such that the leading edge of the external fold faces vertically upward when the aircraft 102 is in a hovering position (e.g., when the wings of the aircraft 102 are in a first fold position) and faces horizontally forward during forward flight (e.g., when the wings of the aircraft 102 are in an unfolded position). Each wing external fold can carry one or more thrust-generating components. In some non-limiting embodiments, the one or more thrust-generating components can be moved between a vertically oriented orientation when the aircraft 102 is hovering and a horizontally oriented orientation when the aircraft 102 is in forward flight.The outer folds of each wing may represent a significant portion of the area encompassed by the wing of the aircraft 102 and / or the weight of the aircraft 102, and when in a forward flight attitude, the outer folds may be coupled with the inner fixation portions to form a continuous surface for the wing.

[0149] Referring now to Figure 9, Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of wing attitudes for the aircraft 102. As shown in Figure 9, in wing attitude 101A, described herein as the first folded attitude, the wings 103 of the aircraft 102 are configured for flight operations capable of hovering, low-speed maneuvering, and VTOL. In wing attitude 101A, the wings 103 are angled relative to the fuselage 105 so that the wings extend parallel to the length of the fuselage 105 and so that the leading edges of the wings 103 point vertically upward, or toward the upper surface of the body of the aircraft 102. Also, in wing attitude 101A, the thrust-generating components 107 coupled to the wings 103 are oriented vertically, enabling stable hovering flight and relatively low-speed maneuvering in any direction.

[0150] As further shown in FIG. 9 , the folding angle of the wings 103 can change from wing attitude 101A to wing attitude 101B, described herein as a second folded attitude, when transitioning to wing attitude 101C. As further shown in FIG. 9 , the design of the wings 103 and thrust-generating components 107 allows for a seamless, aerodynamically safe transition from wing attitude 101A to a forward flight attitude, illustrated as wing attitude 101C, described herein as a deployed attitude. In wing attitude 101C, the wings 103 can be fully deployed, with the leading edges of the wings 103 pointing horizontally forward. In wing attitude 101C, the wings 103 can generate lift to support the weight of the aircraft 102's fuselage, and the extended flight range of the aircraft 102 can be achieved with fast and aerodynamically efficient flight. In some non-limiting embodiments, the transition between wing attitudes 101A-101C can be from wing attitude 101A to wing attitude 101C, or vice versa. In some non-limiting embodiments, the transition between wing attitudes 101A-101C can be paused (e.g., paused for a timed interval, such as a predetermined interval, paused indefinitely, etc.) at any intermediate attitude between wing attitude 101A and forward flight attitude 101C to allow for varying degrees of maneuverability and flight speed of the aircraft 102.

[0151] In some embodiments, an aircraft may have four propeller motors (two on each wing) in which the two inboard propellers / motors are designed for constant speed (variable pitch) during forward flight (e.g., cruise flight, etc.) when the wings are deployed. The two inboard propellers / motors may remain active throughout flight, while the two outboard propellers / motors are fixed-pitch propellers, each with a folding mechanism within the hub to facilitate folding of the propeller during forward flight to reduce their pressure drag when the motor is stopped and the propellers are stowed. That is, each propeller can fold around the folding mechanism so that the propeller matches the length or profile of its respective wing to reduce drag. One advantage of this configuration is that overall efficiency can be significantly improved by running only two motors (out of four) at high RPM while the other two motors are stopped and the propellers are folded. In this configuration, the higher electrical efficiency outweighs the lower overall efficiency of selectively operating all four motors at reduced RPM during forward flight, which can also reduce or minimize overall system complexity and system weight.

[0152] In some non-limiting embodiments, all propellers on an aircraft can be configured to fold around folding mechanisms at the motor / propeller's respective hubs, so that each propeller can match the profile of its respective wing to reduce drag. Propellers are most efficient when operated near their maximum L / D, just before stall, and motors are most efficient when operating at 50-70% of their maximum power.

[0153] While the foregoing methods, systems, and computer program products have been described in detail for illustrative purposes based on what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments or aspects, it should be understood that such details are for the purpose of illustration only, and that the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments or aspects, but rather is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment or aspect can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment or aspect.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for autonomously controlling an aircraft, comprising: determining, by at least one processor, a first center of gravity of the aircraft prior to applying power to a plurality of thrust-producing components of the aircraft to vertically lift the aircraft; controlling, by the at least one processor, a plurality of thrust-generating components of the aircraft to vertically lift the aircraft when the wings of the aircraft are in a first folded position, wherein the first folded position is an orientation in which a leading edge of each wing is oriented vertically when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded position; setting, by the at least one processor, motor controller gains based on the wings of the aircraft being in the first folded position; and aligning, by the at least one processor, the aircraft with an airflow direction when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded position. determining, by the at least one processor, when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded position and the aircraft is in flight, that the aircraft is aligned with the direction of the airflow; determining, by the at least one processor, that the aircraft has reached a target altitude; determining, by the at least one processor, that a heading of the aircraft corresponds to a predetermined direction based on a pitch axis, a yaw axis, and / or a roll axis associated with the aircraft; changing, by the at least one processor, the wings from a first folded position to an extended position based on the airspeed of the aircraft; and autonomously controlling, by the at least one processor, a plurality of thrust-producing components of the aircraft; autonomously controlling the thrust generating component Determining the second center of gravity and flying a flight path when the wings of the aircraft are in a deployed attitude based on the second center of gravity.

2. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein a first thrust generating component of the plurality of thrust generating components of the aircraft is attached to a first wing of the wings of the aircraft and a second thrust generating component of the plurality of thrust generating components of the aircraft is attached to a second wing of the wings of the aircraft, and when the wings of the aircraft are in a first folded position, the first thrust generating component and the second thrust generating component are oriented to generate thrust in a vertically upward direction.

3. determining whether the heading of the aircraft is consistent with a predetermined heading; 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting flight control surfaces of the aircraft based on a determination that the orientation of the aircraft is not consistent with the predetermined orientation.

4. determining whether the heading of the aircraft is consistent with a predetermined heading; 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: providing power to one of the plurality of thrust-producing components of the aircraft to change the orientation of the aircraft based on a determination that the orientation of the aircraft does not match the predetermined orientation.

5. A system for autonomously controlling an aircraft, comprising: determining, by at least one processor, a first center of gravity of the aircraft prior to applying power to a plurality of thrust-producing components of the aircraft to vertically lift the aircraft; controlling a plurality of thrust-generating components of the aircraft to vertically lift the aircraft when the wings of the aircraft are in a first folded position, wherein the first folded position is an orientation in which a leading edge of each wing is oriented vertically when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded position; setting motor controller gains based on the wings of the aircraft being in the first folded position; aligning the aircraft with an airflow direction when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded position; determining that the aircraft is aligned with the direction of the airflow when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded position and the aircraft is in flight; determining that the aircraft has reached a target altitude; determining, by the at least one processor, that the heading of the aircraft corresponds to a predetermined direction based on a pitch axis, a yaw axis, and / or a roll axis associated with the aircraft; changing, by the at least one processor, the wings from a first folded position to an extended position based on the airspeed of the aircraft; and autonomously controlling, by the at least one processor, a plurality of thrust-producing components of the aircraft; The autonomous control of the thrust generating component comprises: Determining the second center of gravity; and flying a flight path when the wings of the aircraft are in a deployed attitude based on the second center of gravity.

6. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein a first propulsion generating component of the plurality of propulsion generating components of the aircraft is attached to a first wing of the wings of the aircraft and a second propulsion generating component of the plurality of propulsion generating components of the aircraft is attached to a second wing of the wings of the aircraft, and when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded position, the first propulsion generating component and the second propulsion generating component are oriented to generate thrust in a vertically upward direction.

7. The at least one processor further comprises: determining whether the heading of the aircraft is consistent with a predetermined heading; and 6. The system of claim 5, programmed or configured to adjust flight control surfaces of the aircraft based on a determination that the heading of the aircraft is not consistent with the predetermined heading.

8. The at least one processor further comprises: determining whether the heading of the aircraft is consistent with a predetermined heading; and 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the system is programmed or configured to provide power to one of the plurality of thrust generating components of the aircraft to change the orientation of the aircraft based on a determination that the orientation of the aircraft does not match the predetermined orientation.

9. When executed by at least one processor, the at least one processor: determining, by at least one processor, a first center of gravity of the aircraft prior to applying power to a plurality of thrust-producing components of the aircraft to vertically lift the aircraft; controlling a plurality of thrust-generating components of the aircraft to vertically lift the aircraft when the aircraft's wings are in a first folded position, wherein the first folded position is an position in which a leading edge of each wing is oriented vertically when the aircraft's wings are in the first folded position; setting motor controller gains based on the wings of the aircraft being in the first folded position; aligning the aircraft with the direction of an airflow when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded position; determining that the aircraft is aligned with the direction of the airflow when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded position and the aircraft is in flight; determining that the aircraft has reached a target altitude; determining, by the at least one processor, that a heading of the aircraft corresponds to a predetermined direction based on a pitch axis, a yaw axis, and / or a roll axis associated with the aircraft; changing, by the at least one processor, the wings from a first folded position to an extended position based on the airspeed of the aircraft; and causing, by the at least one processor, autonomous control of a plurality of thrust-producing components of the aircraft; The autonomous control of the thrust generating component comprises: Determining the second center of gravity; and flying the aircraft according to a flight path when the wings of the aircraft are in a deployed attitude based on the second center of gravity. A computer program product for autonomously controlling the transition of an aircraft between a hover attitude and a forward flight attitude, the computer program product comprising one or more instructions.

10. 10. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein a first thrust generating component of the plurality of thrust generating components of the aircraft is attached to a first wing of the wings of the aircraft and a second thrust generating component of the plurality of thrust generating components of the aircraft is attached to a second wing of the wings of the aircraft, and when the wings of the aircraft are in a first folded position, the first thrust generating component and the second thrust generating component are oriented to generate thrust in a vertically upward direction.

11. The one or more instructions further cause the at least one processor to: determining whether the heading of the aircraft is consistent with a predetermined heading; and 10. The computer program product of claim 9, further comprising adjusting flight control surfaces of the aircraft based on a determination that the heading of the aircraft is not consistent with the predetermined heading.

12. The one or more instructions further cause the at least one processor to: determining whether the heading of the aircraft is consistent with a predetermined heading; and 10. The computer program product of claim 9, further comprising: providing power to one of the plurality of thrust generating components of the aircraft to change the orientation of the aircraft based on a determination that the orientation of the aircraft does not match the predetermined orientation.

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