DragonFly- The New Pilot-Assistance Technology by Airbus
Airbus UpNext, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Airbus SE, has started the testing of new, on-ground and in-flight pilot assistance technologies, known as DragonFly Systems, on an A350–1000 test aircraft.
These technologies are being demonstrated, including automated emergency diversion during cruising, automatic landing and assistance while taxiing. They have also aimed to evaluate the feasibility and pertinence of further exploring autonomous flight systems in support of safer and more efficient operations.
DragonFly Testing on Airbus A350-1000
Isabelle Lacaze, Head of the Dragonfly Demonstrator, Airbus UpNext, stated, “These tests are one of the several steps in the methodical research of technologies to further enhance operations and improve safety” she further said, “Inspired by biomimicry, the systems being tested have been tested have been designed to identity features in the landscape that enable an aircraft to “see” and safely maneuver autonomously within its surroundings, in the same way, that dragonflies are known to have the ability to recognized landmarks.”
During the flight test campaign, the technologies could assist pilots in flight, managing a simulated incapacitated crew member event, and during landing and taxiing operations. Taking into account external factors such as flight zones, terrain and weather conditions, the aircraft was able to generate a new flight trajectory plan and communicate with both ATC(air traffic control) and the airline operation control center.
Computer Vision System in DragonFly project
These tests were made possible through co-operation with Airbus Subsidiaries and external partners, including Cobham, Collins Aerospace, Honeywell, Onera and Thales. In addition, DragonFly was partially funded by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) as part of the French stimulus plan, which is part of the European Plan, Next generation EU, and the France 2030 plan.
Airbus UpNext has also explored features for taxi assistance, which were tested in real-time conditions at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. The technology provides the crew with audio alerts in reaction to obstacles, assisted speed control, and guidance to the runway using a dedicated airport map.
In addition to these capabilities, Airbus UpNext is launching a project to prepare the next generation of computer vision-based algorithms to advance landing and taxi assistance.
