Abstract: Systems and methods for generating approach information for a first vehicle approaching a second dynamic vehicle. An example method determines motion information of the second vehicle and generates approach information based on the determined motion information and the approach centerline. The method generates at least one of an approach path or a plurality of approach path reference points based on at least one of a center of motion of the second vehicle or a touchdown point on the second vehicle and generates at least one of a synthetic path or a plurality of synthetic path reference points by filtering the generated at least one approach path or plurality of approach path reference points.

Abstract: A recursive mapping structure for diagnostic models is provided. A parent diagnostic model includes a first input module, a first output module, a first monitor module coupled to the first input and first output modules, and a first propagation module coupled between the first input and first output modules. A child diagnostic model includes a second input module, a second output module, a second monitor module coupled to the second input and second output modules, and a second propagation module coupled between the second input and second output modules, wherein the second monitor module is coupled to the first monitor module.

Abstract: A ducted fan air vehicle and method of operation is disclosed for obtaining aerodynamic lift and efficiency in forward flight operation without significantly impacting hover stability. One or more retractable wings are included on the ducted fan air vehicle and are deployed during forward flight to provide aerodynamic lift. The wing or wings are retracted when the vehicle hovers to reduce the impact the wings have on stability in a wind. Each wing may conform to the curvature or profile of the vehicle when retracted, and may be constructed in one or more wing sections. The wing or wings may be deployed and retracted automatically or at the command of an operator. Each wing and related components may be integrated into the vehicle or may be detachable.

Abstract: A distributed decision making architecture for embedded prognostics in a platform is provided. An estimation system determines at least one performance characteristic of at least one device in the platform. A supervisory system is in communication with, and superior to, the estimation system. The supervisory system calculates a prediction of remaining useful life (RUL) of the at least one device in the platform. The supervisory system is adapted for collecting the at least one performance characteristic from the estimation system to generate a performance estimate, and implementing at least one data-driven equation to match the at least one performance estimate against of at least one known degradation condition to generate the prediction of remaining useful life of the at least one device.

Abstract: A recursive mapping structure for diagnostic models is provided. A parent diagnostic model includes a first input module, a first output module, a first monitor module coupled to the first input and first output modules, and a first propagation module coupled between the first input and first output modules. A child diagnostic model includes a second input module, a second output module, a second monitor module coupled to the second input and second output modules, and a second propagation module coupled between the second input and second output modules, wherein the second monitor module is coupled to the first monitor module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating approach information for a first vehicle approaching a second dynamic vehicle. An example method determines motion information of the second vehicle and generates approach information based on the determined motion information and the approach centerline. The method generates at least one of an approach path or a plurality of approach path reference points based on at least one of a center of motion of the second vehicle or a touchdown point on the second vehicle and generates at least one of a synthetic path or a plurality of synthetic path reference points by filtering the generated at least one approach path or plurality of approach path reference points.

Abstract: A ducted fan air vehicle and method of operation is disclosed for obtaining aerodynamic lift and efficiency in forward flight operation without significantly impacting hover stability. One or more retractable wings are included on the ducted fan air vehicle and are deployed during forward flight to provide aerodynamic lift. The wing or wings are retracted when the vehicle hovers to reduce the impact the wings have on stability in a wind. Each wing may conform to the curvature or profile of the vehicle when retracted, and may be constructed in one or more wing sections. The wing or wings may be deployed and retracted automatically or at the command of an operator. Each wing and related components may be integrated into the vehicle or may be detachable.