Blended Pilot and Controller Authority Architecture for Altitude Control with VTOL Aircraft

This paper introduces a modified altitude hold system, designed for VTOL aircraft. The method differs from the conventional approach by blending pilot and controller commands, significantly reducing pilot workload. Authority blending ability is crucial during emergency and severe weather situations, where the feedback controller's performance can prove insufficient. The developed control law was successfully verified with extensive pilot-in-the-loop simulations, utilizing the Tustin model of manual control. The resulting algorithm demonstrated smooth command blending throughout the flight envelope, enhancing safety and performance of VTOL aircraft operations in urban environment.