Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for controlling a search and rescue (SAR) light on a rotorcraft. The system includes a processor programmed to: for each cartesian input point in a sequence defining a cartesian pattern, determine an initial light head orientation as a function of the real-time rotorcraft state; generate and transmit a pan command and a tilt command as a function of the initial light head orientation and the cartesian input point; and identify a delta-range. A pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera is configured to continuously slave and have a field of view centered on a beam axis of the SAR light. The PTZ camera captures a video stream and transmits it; zooms in on the field of view of the PTZ camera when the delta-range is positive; and zooms out on the field of view of the PTZ camera when the delta-range is negative.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an auto-land system for a rotorcraft are provided. The system includes, a search light (SL) assembly configured to receive user input directing the SL to a point of interest (POI) and determine an actual SL orientation and an actual SL range to the POI; and, a searchlight controller operationally coupled to the search light assembly, and configured to: responsive to receiving a command to auto-land at the POI, begin (i) generating a desired trajectory from the rotorcraft actual orientation and rotorcraft actual range to the POI; (ii) generating guidance commands for navigating the rotorcraft in accordance with the desired trajectory; (iii) monitoring an actual SL range and an actual SL orientation; and (iv) generating controlling commands for the searchlight assembly in accordance with the coordinates of the POI.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for controlling a search and rescue (SAR) light on a rotorcraft. The system includes a processor programmed to: for each cartesian input point in a sequence defining a cartesian pattern, determine an initial light head orientation as a function of the real-time rotorcraft state; generate and transmit a pan command and a tilt command as a function of the initial light head orientation and the cartesian input point; and identify a delta-range. A pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera is configured to continuously slave and have a field of view centered on a beam axis of the SAR light. The PTZ camera captures a video stream and transmits it; zooms in on the field of view of the PTZ camera when the delta-range is positive; and zooms out on the field of view of the PTZ camera when the delta-range is negative.

Abstract: A spherical resolver system includes a spherical body, an outer body, a first sensor coil, a second sensor coil, a third sensor coil, a first primary coil, and a circuit. The spherical body has a first axis of symmetry, a second axis of symmetry, and a third axis of symmetry, and the first, second, and third axes of symmetry are disposed perpendicular to each other. The circuit is coupled to the first primary coil and is operable to supply a first alternating current (AC) reference signal (Vr1) to the first primary coil, whereby a first sensor signal (Vx) is selectively induced in the first sensor coil, second sensor signal (Vy) is selectively induced in the second sensor coil, and a third sensor signal (Vz) is selectively induced in the third sensor coil, and supplies one or more signals representative of the sensor position.

Abstract: A spherical resolver system includes a spherical body, an outer body, a first sensor coil, a second sensor coil, a third sensor coil, a first primary coil, and a circuit. The spherical body has a first axis of symmetry, a second axis of symmetry, and a third axis of symmetry, and the first, second, and third axes of symmetry are disposed perpendicular to each other. The circuit is coupled to the first primary coil and is operable to supply a first alternating current (AC) reference signal (Vr1) to the first primary coil, whereby a first sensor signal (Vx) is selectively induced in the first sensor coil, second sensor signal (Vy) is selectively induced in the second sensor coil, and a third sensor signal (Vz) is selectively induced in the third sensor coil, and supplies one or more signals representative of the sensor position.

Abstract: An active human-machine interface feedback system includes a user interface, a pitch angle sensor, a roll angle sensor, a spherical motor, and a control circuit. The user interface adapted to receive user input and is configured, upon receipt of the user input, to move, about one or both of a pitch axis and a roll axis, to a user interface position. The pitch angle sensor is configured to sense the pitch angle component of the user interface position. The roll angle sensor is configured to sense the roll angle component of the user interface position. The spherical motor is coupled to the user interface and is symmetrically disposed about the origin. The control circuit determines a polar angle (?) of the user interface relative to the origin, determine an azimuthal angle (?) of the user interface relative to the origin, and supply current to the first, second, and third coils.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an auto-land system for a rotorcraft are provided. The system includes, a search light (SL) assembly configured to receive user input directing the SL to a point of interest (POI) and determine an actual SL orientation and an actual SL range to the POI; and, a searchlight controller operationally coupled to the search light assembly, and configured to: responsive to receiving a command to auto-land at the POI, begin (i) generating a desired trajectory from the rotorcraft actual orientation and rotorcraft actual range to the POI; (ii) generating guidance commands for navigating the rotorcraft in accordance with the desired trajectory; (iii) monitoring an actual SL range and an actual SL orientation; and (iv) generating controlling commands for the searchlight assembly in accordance with the coordinates of the POI.