Flight Control Systems
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The Quattro Flight Management System (FMS) from Applied Navigation has been successfully used to fly Platform Aerospace’s Vanilla UAS.
This ensures Platform Aerospace is on track to transition to the Quattro FMS in early 2025.
Platform Aerospace has been working to integrate the new autopilot into their Ultra-Long-Endurance, Group 3 Vanilla Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) with Applied Navigation. So far, over 40 flight hours have been logged across five flight tests performed at Edwards AFB, CA and Webster Outlying Field, MD. Months of ground testing came prior to these initial flights.
The Quattro FMS is an industrial grade airborne system made up of one or more Quattro Nodes and the Quattro Autopilot. The components work together to enhance reliability, critical mission adaptability, and modularity while also reducing complexity and weight.
Significant operational improvements will be brought to the Quattro for the Vanilla platform:
- Added Functionality: Native IP-based communication and advanced aircraft controller modes.
- Increased Reliability: Multiple layers of automatic failover and sensor redundancy.
- Reduced Operator Workloads: Intelligent integrated checklists, automated in-flight failure mode handling, and built-in propulsion management capabilities.
- Improved Interoperability: Vigilant Spirit ground control station software providing NATO-standard command and control (C2) interface for multi-user interoperability.
Vigilant Spirit, a modern UAS operator control interface with plugin architecture, is integrated into the Quattro FMS. The user experience allows an operator to perform mission objective, preflight, and emergency procedures for multiple aircraft, at the same time. Vigilant Spirit was developed by the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and is NATO STANAG 4586 compliant.
