THE PROCESS

1. Review aircraft design

2. Review flight telemetry

3. Update the simulator package

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This is also known as characterization. Starting with the aircraft design, we create a list of unique or unusual characteristics. Things like novel propulsion systems, asymmetric thrust lines, and prop wash effect need to be taken into account.

 

Next, for an aircraft that has already flown, we look at telemetry from previous flights. What special mixing is required? How aggressive is the tracking? Are the gain sets highly modified. This will all be valuable information when we begin flying a landing pattern.

 

Lastly, we run the aircraft through simulation. In our experience, most simulator packages are incomplete. That's ok. We can update your simulator to resemble the flight characteristics of your plane as closely as possible. This is a huge advantage when you start modifying the aircraft and training future operators.

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1. Create your new master configuration file

2. Create your new auto landing procedures

3. Create a test plan

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Phase two is where the real work happens. Using the data from the initial evaluation we generate a system profile. This will be the configuration settings and gain adjustments that will be used for the first round of test flights.

Specifically we are looking to make sure the autopilot initiates the correct actions at the correct time. Parameters such as airspeed commands, auto aborts, and flare height all need to be set correctly.

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In addition to updating the autopilot, we must also update the flight crew. There are new procedures such as configuring the aircraft for landing and executing a missed approach. We will ensure that checklists and training of these procedures is completed prior to the first flight.

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Finally we will generate the test plan. BSFA is based on tried and true flight test industry standards. We have refined these procedures further however to adapt for unmanned, autonomous takeoff and landing. The test plan will include items like weather limits, aircraft envelope limits, contingencies, and logistics. Once this step is complete, it's time to go fly!

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1. Simulate landings at altitude 

2. Complete 10 successful ATOLs 

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Phase three is the test flight phase. We've done this a lot. We have checklists and procedures to identify and mitigate the known risks associated with this type of test flying. Additionally, we know that flight ops can get expensive. Our process is designed not only to minimize risk, but to do so as cost effectively as possible. 

 

We will start by flying a simulated landing pattern at a safe altitude. This will allow us to verify that final approach tracking, speed control, and go around parameters are all set correctly.

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Once we have met the required performance criteria for autolanding, we begin conducting full touchdown landings. At this point, only minimal adjustments are required. Acceptance criteria is met when ten landings within the designated energy window and touchdown load limits have been completed.

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