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RFCS-Like Modified Multicopter Autopilot for Autonomy Research

Completed TRL 8 (started at 6, targeting 8)

Description

Extend AFRC’s experience with Research Flight Control Systems to sUAS to enable more diverse flight tests by modifying autopilot software to enable control loops and guidance modes that mimic full-scale aircraft especially conceptual eVTOL.

Benefits

Expand sUAS research capability and utility and position AFRC to advocate for more research for AOSP, TTT, CAS, and AAM.

Details

Technology areaFlight Computing and Avionics
ProgramCenter Innovation Fund: AFRC CIF (AFRC CIF)
Lead organizationArmstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA
Start date2022-10-01
End date2023-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

This is a mature technology (TRL 8) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.