Real-Time Control Power Margin and Gust Estimation for Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) Aircraft

A real-time dual-estimator of both remaining control power (RCP) margin and wind gust disturbance statistics for distributed electric propulsion (DEP) aircraft is described, for potential use as both a safety assessment system and a means for sharing observed wind disturbances while in flight. The algorithm is scalable across both piloted and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), and requires measurement of vehicle inertial response and actuator inputs. Analysis and simulation modeling for the DEP vehicle used CDI’s CHARM (Comprehensive Heirarchical Aeromechanics Rotorcraft Model) code for representing the highly interactional aerodynamic environment for these aircraft, with the RCP and gust estimation algorithm development tested in both simulation and scaled flight experiments of representative DEP configurations.