Abstract: A system for detecting icing includes an optical sensor configured to view at least a portion of an exterior surface or component of an aircraft and to output sensor data indicating at least one optical quality of the exterior surface or component, and an icing detection module. The icing detection module is configured to receive the sensor data from the optical sensor, compare the sensor data to predetermined quality data indicating at least one known optical quality of the exterior surface or component without icing, and determine the presence of icing on the exterior surface or component based on a difference between the sensor data and the predetermined quality data.

Abstract: A method of cooperative communication link mapping and classification is provided. Location data are received defining a position of a communication node. Signal data of a communication link are monitored at the communication node with respect to a second communication node and characteristics of the signal data are identified. A location stamp of the position is applied to the characteristics of the signal data. The communication link is classified based on the characteristics of the signal data, and a map is populated classifying the communication link at the position indicated by the location stamp.

Abstract: A system for mission parameterization is provided and includes a vehicle that itself includes a sensor to sense characteristic sensed elements in surroundings of the vehicle and a computing device. The computing device includes a processing unit and a memory unit. The memory unit has a database configured to associate objects disposable in the surroundings with sensible characteristic object elements and executable instructions. The executable instructions are configured to cause the processing unit to find correspondence between any characteristic sensed elements in the surroundings, which are sensed by the activated sensor, and any of the characteristic object elements, identify objects in the surroundings based on the correspondence and set mission parameters based on identifications of the objects in the surroundings.

Abstract: A method of cooperative communication link mapping and classification is provided. Location data are received defining a position of a communication node. Signal data of a communication link are monitored at the communication node with respect to a second communication node and characteristics of the signal data are identified. A location stamp of the position is applied to the characteristics of the signal data. The communication link is classified based on the characteristics of the signal data, and a map is populated classifying the communication link at the position indicated by the location stamp.

Abstract: A method of determining cable angle includes acquiring image data of a cable and a load coupled to a rotorcraft using three-dimensional (3D) spatial perception system, constructing an image of the cable and load using the image data, and determining the angle of the cable relative to the external load at an interface of the cable and external load based on the image.

Abstract: A system and method for refueling an aircraft during flight is disclosed. A sensor measures a spatial parameter of a probe of the aircraft and of a drogue that provides fuel. A processor predicts a relative position of the probe and drogue from the spatial parameter, calculates a flight trajectory that mates the probe with the drogue based on the predicted relative position of the probe and drogue, and provides a command to the flight control system to fly the aircraft along the flight trajectory to mate the probe with the drogue. When the probe is mated to the drogue, the aircraft is refueled via the connection.

Abstract: A system for detecting icing includes an optical sensor configured to view at least a portion of an exterior surface or component of an aircraft and to output sensor data indicating at least one optical quality of the exterior surface or component, and an icing detection module. The icing detection module is configured to receive the sensor data from the optical sensor, compare the sensor data to predetermined quality data indicating at least one known optical quality of the exterior surface or component without icing, and determine the presence of icing on the exterior surface or component based on a difference between the sensor data and the predetermined quality data.

Abstract: A method of determining cable angle includes acquiring image data of a cable and a load coupled to a rotorcraft using three-dimensional (3D) spatial perception system, constructing an image of the cable and load using the image data, and determining the angle of the cable relative to the external load at an interface of the cable and external load based on the image.

Abstract: A system for mission parameterization is provided and includes a vehicle that itself includes a sensor to sense characteristic sensed elements in surroundings of the vehicle and a computing device. The computing device includes a processing unit and a memory unit. The memory unit has a database configured to associate objects disposable in the surroundings with sensible characteristic object elements and executable instructions. The executable instructions are configured to cause the processing unit to find correspondence between any characteristic sensed elements in the surroundings, which are sensed by the activated sensor, and any of the characteristic object elements, identify objects in the surroundings based on the correspondence and set mission parameters based on identifications of the objects in the surroundings.

Abstract: A method of predictive targeting of a directional antenna is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of state information at a directional antenna control system from a mobile communication node, where the state information includes a position and a trajectory of the mobile communication node. The directional antenna control system logs the state information as a last known position and a last known trajectory of the mobile communication node. An estimated future position of the mobile communication node is determined based on the last known position, the last known trajectory, and a time period. Based on a loss of communication between the directional antenna and the mobile communication node, the directional antenna control system positions the directional antenna to establish a line-of-sight between the directional antenna and the estimated future position of the mobile communication node.

Abstract: A method of predictive targeting of a directional antenna is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of state information at a directional antenna control system from a mobile communication node, where the state information includes a position and a trajectory of the mobile communication node. The directional antenna control system logs the state information as a last known position and a last known trajectory of the mobile communication node. An estimated future position of the mobile communication node is determined based on the last known position, the last known trajectory, and a time period. Based on a loss of communication between the directional antenna and the mobile communication node, the directional antenna control system positions the directional antenna to establish a line-of-sight between the directional antenna and the estimated future position of the mobile communication node.