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What parameter sets the timeout after which the aircraft will enter return mode without a connection to the GCS?FS_GCS_LONG_TOWhat throttle percentage do you need on the DATX to maintain cruise speed/altitude?60%What visual cue are you using to align your aircraft on the XY centerline? You may wish to use a screenshot from your recorded video.When the aircraft aligns with the edge of the runway where you are standing.How often are you looking at SPAS?10-20%Describe how the Believer aircraft would fly if the battery were placed farther aft than the CG?The back would be heavier and would make very unstable.In a 30° bank, what inputs are required to maintain altitude?Pitch, Rudder, and throttle if needed4At what angle does the Believer need to be launched?20%When switching from stabilized to auto mode, what must be set on the GC to ensure predictable waypoint behavior?The next way point must be selected to ensure a predictable waypoint.
Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\temp.Open Windracers Simulator Startup V2.bat This should open two of the simulator elements: FCU and X-Plane.In the X-Plane window, select “New Flight”.Double-click Purdue University to select a runway.
As required, set the weather by clicking “Customize” in the weather pane. Set the height (top), speed, and direction of a wind layer. Click “Done”, then “Start Flight” to begin. You will adjust the weather in .
To set the camera position to the side of the runway, perform the following steps in order.Hit shift + 3 Hold shift and use the left arrow to complete 1-2 outward spirals. Align to the runway edge by using the left arrow or the right arrow as needed.
From the start menu, search for and open the Ground Control app.
Connect your phone to the local internet (Anesti or Rose will help with this).In Ground Control, navigate to Settings > Connection > Ground Control.Enter the entire server IP address into your phone’s web browser. It should look like http://192.168.1.12:8001
On your phone, navigate to Safety Pilot via the burger bar in the upper-left corner.
Set DATX to safe state.Power on the DATX.Confirm the model is X-PLANE.Switch to Taxi Mode.Connect the USB Mini to the rear port.Select “USB Joystick”
In ground control, create a standard circuit that includes:Takeoff pointLanding pointPattern altitude of 700 AGLKidney bean shapeRepeats indefinitely
Fly the mission from takeoff to landing.Pay attention to:The airspeed at takeoff.The position and height of the downwind to base turn.The position and height of the base to final turn.The position at which the aircraft enters a flare.The touch-down point.
Set up the aircraft for a stabilized takeoff.Back taxi (in taxi mode) sufficiently so that the aircraft is airborne by the time it reaches your position. Brakes off, switch to stabilize.Be sure to input 100% throttle.Steer using the rudder.At takeoff speed, apply the appropriate elevator input.Stay in the circuit until your aircraft’s energy is balanced for cruise (62 kts).Pitch for speed, throttle for altitude.When ready, come in for a landing. Use the following as suggested targets (adjust as necessary)Target <60 kts on downwind to base, deploy 50% flaps.Begin descent. Target altitude set in auto circuit.Turn base to final at XY point and target 55 kts.Deploy 100% flaps as needed.Maintain aircraft descent (the aircraft should not move up or down, but grow in size).Add throttle to pull the aircraft through if low; remove throttle if high.Flare ~10 feet above the runway and hold until touchdown.Touchdown in front of yourself.Steer with the rudder, and apply the brakes gradually.Repeat these steps as needed.
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Overview
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In Lab 07 for the X-Plane Simulator, students will undertake both the roles of GCS operator and Safety Pilot to complete cognitively intensive tasks, mimicking real-world autonomous sUAS missions. The tasks include setting up the simulator and weather conditions, starting the FCU and X-Plane, configuring the camera, and establishing connections with the Ground Control app and DATX. Students will create and fly an autonomous mission with specific parameters and conduct a stabilized circuit, paying careful attention to airspeed, altitude, and position throughout the flight path, while also practicing takeoff and landing procedures. Deliverables include a completed lab document as a PDF, the auto mission file, and screen recordings of the flights, all to be uploaded to Brightspace.
Resources
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Tasks
Task 0 - Questions
Answer the following questions. Some questions can be answered after completing the lab.
Task 1 - Simulator Setup
In the previous lab, we ran the simulator on separate computers with a GCS operator and a Safety Pilot. For this lab, you will serve as both, which will be more cognitively intensive, but more realistic to operating a sUAS on an autonomous mission.
On a designated PC (2 in COMP and 3 in PAAL), complete the following to initialize the simulator
Start FCU and X-Plane
Set Weather
Broken link
Set Camera Position
Start GCS
Setup SPAS
Connecting DATX
Task 2 - Auto Circuit
It is important to understand how the autopilot works based on the assigned mission. For this task, you will complete an autonomous mission for runway 28.
Create a Mission
Export a copy of your mission and upload a copy to Brightspace.
Fly the mission
Task 3 - Stabilized Circuit
Stabilized flight is the primary outcome of this course. This section is extremely important to practice and perfect.
Capture a screen recording of your stabilized circuit, and upload a copy to Brightspace.
Fly the mission
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