This paper describes the design of a Reactive Pilot Model (RPM) for an automated mission simulation of a dynamic aircraft, focusing on an electrical takeoff-and-landing transition vehicle (eVTOL). The RPM is comprised of a discrete state-machine acting as a mission automation component and a control element that provides dynamic control and monitoring of the aircraft during all phases of flight, reacting to unforeseen changes to the mission. The RPM also reacts to external factors, such as the effect of varying wind conditions on the battery's capacity and the remaining flight duration. A 3-degree-of-freedom (DOF) model simulates the required energy to reach the landing location during the entire mission. In a first application, the RPM is used for automatic mission execution in a dynamic mission simulation for performance assessment. The simulation environment includes a 6-DOF nonlinear model of the aircraft dynamics, a simulation controller and the RPM. Results from the mission simulation are presented in this paper. Future developments will upgrade the RPM to a fully-fledged mission automation system to be used in flight.    «

This paper describes the design of a Reactive Pilot Model (RPM) for an automated mission simulation of a dynamic aircraft, focusing on an electrical takeoff-and-landing transition vehicle (eVTOL). The RPM is comprised of a discrete state-machine acting as a mission automation component and a control element that provides dynamic control and monitoring of the aircraft during all phases of flight, reacting to unforeseen changes to the mission. The RPM also reacts to external factors, such as the e...    »