During Fixed-Wing Flight

The following should be monitored during fixed-wing flight.

Switch to Multi-Rotor Mode (QuadChute)

Operator Action: TRANSITION to fixed-wing mode or LAND

There are some conditions where the vehicle can switch to multi-rotor mode. This can happen if the fixed-wing flight is unsustainable, wind conditions result in a breach of maximum bank angles or accidental mode switching by the operator. In these events, it is usually prudent to attempt to resume fixed-wing flight by switching to HOLD mode and pressing the VTOL Transition mode switch. If this fails for any reason, the vehicle must be landed.

When the vehicle is higher than 300 meters, it will not engage the automatic QuadChute failsafe until it drops below this altitude. In the event of a QuadChute, the vehicle will initiate a LAND procedure unless instructed otherwise. It is the pilot’s responsibility to ensure a safe landing can be performed.

After such an event, the cause must be determined before a new flight is attempted. Please contact DeltaQuad support for assistance in analyzing the cause of the failsafe event.

The vehicle is designed to maintain a maximum of 90 seconds of hover flight. If the vehicle exceeds this threshold, it will force a landing. For operations above sea level, this limitation may be disabled at the operator's own risk.

Excessive Altitude Loss

Operator Action: Return (RTL) or LAND

During and shortly after transition, the vehicle may lose some altitude, generally not more than 5 meters. In extreme cases (high payload, strong wind), this can be up to 8 meters. The vehicle should recover from this loss quickly and regain and maintain altitude. Some altitude gain or loss may occur when banking (changing direction). This should not exceed 5 meters.

If the vehicle does not maintain altitude, or if the altitude error exceeds 10 meters and the vehicle does not recover from this error, an RTL should be commanded. If the vehicle does not adequately perform the RTL procedure (continues to lose altitude or fails to navigate back), a LAND instruction should be given. After a LAND instruction is given and the vehicle is performing a landing in quadcopter mode, the RTL instruction can be given again to have the vehicle return in quadcopter mode.

This should only be attempted when the vehicle is less than 1 km from the takeoff site and more than 50% of the battery capacity is available.

The reason this can occur could be related to weight, balance, or a problem with the servos or pusher drive. A thorough inspection of the vehicle is required. If the problem cannot be found and resolved, you should contact DeltaQuad support.

Failure to Track the Mission Path

Operator Action: Return (RTL) or LAND or ALTITUDE

During the transition, if the vehicle does not fly in the direction expected:

When the transition phase completes, the vehicle should fly towards its first waypoint or orbit. If the vehicle does not follow its intended path after the transition phase, an RTL should be commanded. If the vehicle does not adequately perform the RTL procedure (continues to lose altitude or fails to navigate back), an attempt can be made to return the vehicle in ALTITUDE mode. If this also fails, a LAND instruction should be given. After a LAND instruction is given and the vehicle is commencing a landing in quadcopter mode, the RTL instruction can be given again to have the vehicle return in quadcopter mode.

This should only be attempted when the vehicle is less than 1 km from the takeoff site and more than 70% of the battery capacity is available.

The reason this can occur could be related to a failure of the servo actuation or if a mission is incorrectly loaded.

Battery Level and Current Consumption

Operator Action: Return (RTL)

The battery level percentage indicated in the top bar of the flight screen should be monitored throughout the flight. The percentage should always be higher than the relative distance the vehicle still has to travel. For example, if only 50% battery remains, more than 50% of the mission should have been completed. The CURRENT and CONSUMED values will also help determine this; these values become visible when tapping the Battery Level Indicator. The DeltaQuad Evo should draw between 5 and 15 amperes of current on average during cruise flight. This value increases:

• If the vehicle is flying significantly above sea level

• If the vehicle is flying with maximum payload

• As the battery percentage drops

• When the vehicle is climbing or banking

• When the cruise throttle is set higher

• When the LiPo battery gets older

• When a power-consuming payload is active