Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: The transition phase of eVTOL aircraft poses a challenge in balancing energy efficiency, stability, handling, and ride qualities. This study develops and evaluates an automatic flight control system designed to minimize energy consumption while ensuring robust dynamic performance throughout the transition. The methodology is demonstrated using the Aston Martin Volante Vision as a benchmark vectored-thrust eVTOL configuration. The control architecture implements a hybrid response type combining translational rate command below 5 kt and acceleration command speed hold above 5 kt, with control allocation dynamically adjusted based on airspeed and propeller tilt angle. Stability analysis reveals surge mode instability at high tilt angles due to unstable speed stability derivatives, stabilized through carefully tuned feedback control. The system demonstrates Level 1 handling qualities against bandwidth, quickness, and disturbance rejection criteria when evaluated against MIL-DTL-32742 and MIL-STD-1797B standards. Simulation results verify the control system’s ability to maintain precise acceleration/deceleration rates and attitude control while ensuring passenger comfort through limited pitch excursions. The control strategy achieves minimum energy transitions by locking propeller tilt angles to optimal schedules while avoiding excessive hub moments. Flight-test maneuvers developed specifically for conversion phases confirm the system’s capability to execute efficient transitions within defined performance boundaries. This research establishes a framework for eVTOL flight control systems that balance energy efficiency with robust performance across diverse flight regimes.
Authors: Namuk Kang, Linghai Lu, James Whidborne
Institution: Cranfield University
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4411952363