A Continuity-Based Command Mapping Approach Applied to Airspeed Control of VTOL Transition Aircraft in the Context of Simplified Vehicle Operations

The paper at hand introduces a novel continuity-based input-output mapping approach, which is applied to the airspeed command mapping of a VTOL transition aircraft in the context of Simplified Vehicle Operations (SVO). The mapping concept is aimed at providing continuous outputs in the presence of discrete mode switches that alter the input value, input limits, and output limits of the underlying mapping in a discontinuous manner. Since the continuity of the output is ensured, the mapping can considerably improve the handling qualities for the operator by avoiding discontinuous jumps in the commanded variable during a mode switch. Its general nature allows for a widespread application of the mapping, which originated in the context of command priority switching during multi-pilot operation.