Now you can control the helicopter with just one joystick and two touch screens
California-based aviation company Skyryse has developed a semi-autonomous piloting system that can be installed on existing third-party helicopters.
The One is the first helicopter to have this technology already “built-in”, resulting in a radically simplified cockpit. The aircraft’s operating system, called SkyOS, includes the so-called electro-remote technology.
Similar to the electric drive in cars, this installation replaces the wiring with complex mechanical connections that traditionally link cockpit controls to the corresponding flight components. Thanks to this arrangement, traditional controls such as the cycle lever, collective lever, throttle and anti-torque pedals are not necessary – their functions can be programmed in SkyOS.
Skyryse notes that SkyOS is not a full-fledged autopilot system. The human pilot is still responsible for controlling the helicopter with a single four-axis control lever, although he is certainly assisted from all sides.
First, by continuously analyzing pilot actions, environmental conditions, aircraft condition, and flight parameters, SkyOS can automatically maintain the aircraft in a safe flight range (the optimal combination of factors such as airspeed and altitude). There is also the Hover Assist function, which ensures a stable hover of the helicopter even if the pilot releases the control stick.
Simple taps on the touchscreen start the engine and perform the rest of the launch procedure, as well as activate the automatic takeoff and landing functions.
In addition, if a motor power failure is detected, SkyOS will automatically switch to autorotation mode. Flight functions such as planning, lighting, and landing will then be automated, although the pilot will still retain manual control to land as safely as possible.
