Human Systems Integration Division @ NASA Ames

NASA's Air Mobility Pathfinders (AMP) project is part of an ongoing effort to support the integration of advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles into the National Airspace System (NAS). To minimize noise and optimize energy management, the next generation of air vehicles may include winged, powered-lift aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing via distributed electric propulsion (eVTOL) that also enables forward flight without use of the lifting rotors. Innovative eVTOLs that essentially combine the capabilities of rotary-and fixed-wing aircraft will expand the flexibility of operational AAM concepts [1] that aim to evolve aviation infrastructure through a wider range of transport and emergency operations in rural and urban environments. As the scalability of this new technological framework continues to mature, flight controls will become increasingly autonomous through Simplified Vehicle Operations in order to maintain sufficient safety in high-density airspace [2]. Simplified vehicle control systems seek to offset aerodynamic challenges associated with transitioning from forward flight to low speed and hover maneuvers, where eVTOL vehicles are susceptible to slower response times and more instability in the presence of wind gusts (see [3] for more detail on the performance implications of variable lifting rotor and propulsion configurations). The development of new flight control concepts with assistive automation and intuitive display elements will ease pilot training requirements and the handling skills required to execute AAM operations with optimal efficiency and safety.