This section explains how to properly plan a VTOL takeoff and transition.
A VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) Takeoff refers to a vehicle's ability to lift off vertically, eliminating the need for a runway. Once airborne, the drone transitions from Multirotor Flight (Hover) to Fixed-wing Flight (Aero), enabling more efficient forward flight and greater range. The transition is a critical phase where the vehicle switches from vertical lift, using rotors, to forward thrust, using its wings to generate lift, optimizing performance for long-distance travel.
First, enter the Plan View via the AMC Menu.
When the Plan View is selected the Mission Editor appears on the right side of the screen.
Click on Add VTOL Takeoff. When the DeltaQuad Evo is connected to AMC, the VTOL Takeoff and Transition item is automatically placed at the vehicle's current location. The transition direction is also planned automatically, aligning with the vehicle’s nose to ensure a takeoff and transition into the wind. The Transition Direction item can be adjusted by dragging it to the desired location on the map.
The Transition Direction item must be planned so that the vehicle performs the Takeoff and Transition into the wind.
If the vehicle is not connected to AMC, a dialog window will appear. Click on the map to set the planned launch location, and adjust the Transition Direction item to the desired position.
If the vehicle is not connected to AMC during mission planning, make sure to select VTOL for the Vehicle Type.
After the VTOL Takeoff and Transition Direction item is placed, the VTOL Takeoff Altitude must be set.
The minimum VTOL Takeoff Altitude is 15 meters above any obstacle in the takeoff area. For example, if the average tree height in the takeoff area is 10 meters, the VTOL Takeoff Altitude must be set to at least 25 meters.
Set the VTOL Takeoff Altitude by adjusting the Altitude Slider or by typing in the desired altitude.
In Multirotor Mode (Hover), the DeltaQuad Evo uses up to 12 times more energy compared to Fixed-wing Mode (Aero). The VTOL Takeoff Altitude cannot be set higher than 100 meters, as this will impact the total flight time. As a rule of thumb, every additional minute ascending in Hover Mode will reduce the total mission length by 10 km, while every extra minute descending in Hover Mode will reduce it by 7 km.
The Altitude Frame is set to HGT by default. For standard operation, it is recommended to leave this setting as it is.
Always verify ground elevation using the Terrain Altitude Indicator. A ground collision is indicated when the orange line turns red in the Terrain Altitude Indicator and is also visible on the map.
In the Initial Mission Settings, the default value for the Default Waypoints Altitude can be set. This altitude will be applied to all waypoints during the planning stage but can be changed for each waypoint individually. A new waypoint will take over the altitude of the previous waypoint.
The Default Waypoints Altitude value and the available range of the slider can also be set in the AMC Menu under Settings -> General -> Plan View.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
HGT
Height (Heights are referenced to the takeoff location)
MSL
Mean Sea Level (Altitude Above Mean Sea Leve)
AGL
Above Ground Level (Altitude Above Ground Level)
