Chapter index

• Auterion Mission Control (AMC) Overview

  • Normal and Advanced Mode

  • AMC Top Bar

  • AMC Menu

• Planning a Mission

  • Preparing a Mission Plan

  • Best Practices and Tips

  • Mission Start Action

  • Set Intermediate Waypoints

  • Mission End Action

• Quick Takeoff

  • Land Approach

  • VTOL Takeoff

  • Return

• Pre-flight Checks

• Radio Range and Line of Sight (LOS) Operation

• Executing and Monitoring a Mission

  • Executing the Mission - Returning the Vehicle

  • Monitoring the Mission

  • Controlling the Vehicle

  • Manual Control

  • Emergency Procedures

• Advanced Flight

  • GPS-Denied Operation

  • Offshore Operation

• Post-flight Checks

AMC can run in Normal and Advanced Mode. Enter Advanced Mode by clicking five times on the menu iconin the upper left corner of the screen. A window will pop up, providing the option to switch modes.

The menu icon will change from filled to hollow.

Operating AMC in Advanced Mode adds more options and settings to choose from. These settings are not relevant for typical drone operators and should not be changed by end users. The following list provides an overview of some key items:

• Pilot Commands: Land and Transition commands are available in the Fly View Toolbar.

• Arming: The vehicle can be manually armed via the Emergency Action button.

• Analyze: The option to manually download log files is available in the Analyze tab. The MAVLink Console/Inspector is also accessible for development tasks; however, these settings and menus are not relevant for typical drone operators and should not be changed by end users.

• MAVLink and Console: These are available in the Settings tab for development tasks. Similar to the Analyze tab, these settings and menus are not intended for modification by drone operators.

• Vehicle Overview: In the Overview tab, additional sensors are accessible for calibration, along with more options within specific sensor categories. Only Compass Calibration may be necessary in some circumstances. For more information about Compass Calibration, please read here.

• Safety Tab: In the Safety tab, RC Loss Failsafe Trigger and Land Mode Settings are accessible.

In the AMC Menu -> Settings -> General -> Miscellaneous, the option to always start AMC in Advanced Mode is available. This option is only accessible when AMC is running in Advanced Mode.

At the top of the screen, the top bar displays various items that convey information and offer additional options when clicked.

The following is a list of all icons and indicators along with their functionalities.

At the bottom of AMC´s top bar, you will find a bar that represents the remaining flight time of the vehicle. This same bar also visualizes the RTL point, indicating where the vehicle will perform an autonomous Return to Launch due to a Battery Failsafe.

The Analyze tab can be accessed via the AMC menu.

The Log Download tab allows for manual log file downloads. For more information on how to manually download the log files, please read here.

The GeoTag Images tab is not relevant for the DeltaQuad Evo Tactical Edition, as it withholds geolocation data by default. Therefore, mapping payloads such as the Sony A7R Mark 4 cannot be operated with the DeltaQuad Evo Tactical.

The MAVLink Console and MAVLink Inspector menus are not relevant for typical drone operators and should not be modified by end users unless specifically instructed.

The User Account tab can be accessed via the AMC menu.

Pilots can log into their Suite account directly from AMC, enabling automatic tracking of flight hours in the Auterion Suite. Utilizing the Auterion cloud service is a prerequisite.

When logging in or out you'll be directed to your default browser.

1. Log in to your Auterion account.

2. Authorize access to Mission Control if prompted.

3. Open Mission Control (it should now display you as logged in).

4. You’re now successfully logged in!

The Photos tab can be accessed via the AMC menu.

In the Photos tab, all snapshots taken during a mission are displayed for easy review.

In the lower-right corner of the screen, two buttons are available for quick access to the storage location of the photos and videos stored on the GCS.

When clicking one of the buttons, a File Manager window opens, displaying the storage location and file path.

The Advanced tab can be accessed via the AMC menu.

Summary

The first tab is the Summary menu, which displays the vehicle settings. The tabs on the left side are the menus for configuring each of the displayed components.

Storage Setup

The Storage Setup is crucial for missions where the collected data must remain confidential under all circumstances.

Parameters

In the Parameters tab, you can apply under-the-hood changes to the vehicle settings. This is relevant only for special operations that fall outside the standard user profile, such as Offshore or GPS-denied Operations. For more information on which parameters can be changed, please refer to the Advanced Flight chapter.

Chapter Index

Start the application by clicking on the AMC icon on the Desktop or the Taskbar at the bottom of the screen.

The Fly View is displayed as the default view upon starting the app.

Chapter Index:

• Preparing a Mission Plan

• Best Practice and Tips

• Mission Start Action

• Set Intermediate Waypoints

  • Survey Pattern

  • Corridor Scan

  • Stealth Switch

• Mission End Action

In the Fly View, missions are executed and monitored. The operator has two layouts available: by default, the Map is the Primary View, while the Video Feed is the Secondary View. You can change the layout by clicking the small window in the lower-left corner.

Primary View - map, Secondary View - video feed:

Primary view - video feed, Secondary View - map:

The following list outlines the actions that can be performed within the Secondary Window.

1. Minimize or maximize the window.

2. Adjust the size of the window.

3. Detach the window from the lower-left corner.

Map is the Primary View: All Fly Tools, Flight, and Map Tools are available (when running AMC in Advanced Mode) on the left side of the screen.

Video Feed is the Primary View: Payload controls, if applicable (in this example, ISR payload), are available on the right side of the screen, while Fly Tools (selection), Flight, and Map Tools are accessible on the left side.

Fly View Elements

The following list outlines all the elements of the Fly View.

1. AMC Menu

2. Vehicle Status Indicator

3. Flight Mode Selector and Indicator

4. Emergency Actions and Arm/Disarm Status

5. Radio Link Indicator/Selector

6. GPS Status/GPS Fusion

7. Data Link Signal Strength Indicator

8. LTE Status and Signal Strength Indicator

9. Vehicle Battery Status/Energy Consumption

10. GCS Battery Status

11. Telemetry Dashboard

12. Video Feed (payload-dependent)

13. Map Tools

14. Flight Tools

15. Fly Tools (Quick Access)

16. Estimated Flight Time Remaining

17. Geo-Tracking Dashboard (ISR payload)

18. Map, Mission Items, Smart Actions, Vehicle Location (blue arrow), and Vehicle Track (red trail)

Telemetry Dashboard

The Telemetry Dashboard is located in the lower-right corner of the screen. It is available in both layouts, whether the Map or the Video is the Primary View.

1. Time Since Armed (approximate flight time)

2. Distance Between Vehicle and Ground Station

3. Compass (includes vehicle heading, camera field of view, and direction towards the Ground Control Station)

4. Roll Index

5. Wind Direction and Wind Speed

6. Pitch Index

7. Altitude Display - Tap the letters above the three dots to switch between different altitude measurements

1. Vertical Speed

2. Calibrated Airspeed

3. Ground Speed/Horizontal Speed

Fly Tools (Quick Access)

The following Fly Tools are available on the left side of the screen when the Map is in Primary View.

Flight Tools

The following Flight Tools are available on the left side of the screen when the Map is in Primary View and AMC is running in Advanced Mode.

When using the Orbit or Figure-8 command, the Altitude Slider is presented on the right side of the screen with a fixed minimum and maximum altitude. The operator can choose an altitude between these values.

These values can be changed in AMC menu -> Settings -> General -> Fly View.

Map Tools

The following Map Tools are available on the left side of the screen when the map is in Primary View and AMC is running in Advanced Mode.

Marker Tool

Different Marker Tool categories can be selected by color and shape. Click on the map to set the marker.

On the right side of the screen, an option will be available to set coordinates for the specific marker.

To delete a marker, select it on the map and click on the small Trash Bin.

To delete all markers, click on the Trash Bin icon in the Marker Tool menu.

Measurement Tool

The distance between two points can be measured, or the area can be calculated as a selectable polygon. Selecting Clear All will delete all Measurement Tools on the map.

Coordinates can be entered manually, and specific points can be removed.

Warnings

The Fly View presents important warnings in a highly visible popup, alerting you to any unexpected behavior or issues. When possible, the notification will also provide the cause of the problem and suggest any required actions. Less critical messages, along with any missed warnings, are logged and can be accessed in the Vehicle Overview.

Auterion Mission Control offers two main views. In the Fly View, you execute and monitor missions.

The Plan View is used to plan autonomous missions for your vehicle. Once the mission is planned and uploaded to the DeltaQuad Evo, you switch to the Fly View to perform the Pre-flight Checks and execute the mission.

The AMC Menu gives access to the following sub-menus and settings.

1. Once the Mission Start Action has been created, a Survey Pattern can be placed anywhere on the map to autonomously cover an area by flying a predefined path. To do this, click on the Pattern Tool in the Plan Tools located on the right side of the screen and choose Survey.

1. A Survey item will be created and the Mission Editor on the right side of the screen will display the Survey Settings.

1. For ISR operations, it is recommended to choose Manual (no camera specs) as this provides direct access to the Survey Altitude and Spacing without the need to set the Overlaps.

1. The Survey area selector offers predefined shapes for the Survey Pattern.

Rectangle Tool

• Creates a rectangular survey on the map. Use the outer vertices to shape the form and the green vertex in the middle of the pattern to reposition it. Clicking the plus sign on the survey edge adds additional vertices.

Circle Tool

• Creates a circular survey on the map. Use the outer vertex to expand or contract the shape, and the green vertex in the middle of the pattern to reposition it.

Trace Tool

• The Trace Tool lets the operator draw a survey form by clicking anywhere on the map. Use the outer vertices to shape the form and the green vertex in the middle of the pattern to reposition it. Clicking the plus sign on the survey edge adds additional vertices.

• Click on a vertex with the left mouse button to remove it or enter geo-coordinates for that specific point.

• Once tracing is complete, confirm by clicking the Done Tracing button in the Mission Editor.

Load KML/SHP file

• This provides the option to import KML or SHP files for the survey pattern.

1. Altitude sets the altitude of the Survey Pattern, which is usually relative to the Home Position.

1. Spacing determines the distance between the transects (trajectories within the green survey area). Spacing on the left side is 50 meters, and spacing on the right side is 150 meters.

1. Pattern Options provide additional settings for the Survey.

1. Set the Pattern angle by moving the slide or entering a value. On the left side, the Pattern angle is 90 degrees, and on the right side, it is 180 degrees.

1. The Turnaround Distance refers to the horizontal distance the drone travels beyond the survey area's edge at the end of a transect before making a turn to start the next parallel transect. This buffer provides the drone with enough space to turn, and align itself accurately for the next pass, ensuring smooth transitions between flight lines. Set the Turnaround Distance by moving the slider or entering a value. On the left side, the Turnaround Distance is 50 meters, and on the right side, it is 300 meters.

1. Rotate Entry Point determines the vehicle's entry and exit locations for the survey. Click the button to toggle through all possible positions.

1. The Options tab provides four additional options for the survey item.

• Refly at a 90-degree offset adds vertical trajectories to the horizontal ones. This is typically used for mapping missions, as it collects twice the amount of data, which is useful for creating a 3D map, for example. This tool can also be useful for ISR operations, as it covers the area in question twice.

• The Images in turnarounds option is important for survey missions using a mapping payload, such as the Sony A7R Mark IV. This option will be discussed in the dedicated payload chapter and is not relevant to ISR operations.

• Fly alternate transects - When not selected the vehicle is flying the exact pattern line after line.

  The DeltaQuad Evo has less space between the two lines to perform the turnaround and re-enter the survey area. When Fly alternate transects is enabled the vehicle will fly constantly skipping one line. When reaching the end, the DeltaQuad Evo will fly back and follow the lines it previously skipped. This option will be discussed in the dedicated payload chapter and is not relevant to ISR operations.

• Relative altitude: When enabled, altitudes are relative to the home point. When disabled, altitudes are measured above mean sea level (AMSL).

1. The Survey item can be deleted by clicking the Red Trash Bin in the lower right corner of the Mission Editor window.

1. By clicking the Three Dashes in the lower left corner of the Mission Editor window, the option Edit Position appears. Insert the values for the coordinate system of your choice and click Set to confirm the coordinates.

1. Always verify the ground elevation using the Terrain Altitude Indicator. A ground collision is indicated when the orange line turns red in the Terrain Altitude Indicator.

1. The Vehicle follows terrain option allows the aircraft to maintain a constant distance from the ground. If the ground elevation changes, the vehicle adjusts its altitude accordingly. This option will be discussed in the dedicated payload chapter and is not relevant to ISR operations.

1. The Presets tab allows you to save settings as a preset for frequent use and load existing presets.

• To use the Stealth Switch, a mission plan must be created. Plan a VTOL Takeoff and Transition, along with Intermediate Waypoints, up to the location where you wish to engage the Stealth Switch. Please review the instructions for planning a , and

• To engage the Stealth Switch, an additional waypoint must be planned, which will be set as a Custom Action Command.

1. Create a waypoint at the location and altitude where the Stealth Switch should be engaged. In the example below, the Stealth Switch should be engaged at waypoint 3.

1. Create a waypoint anywhere on the map.

1. In the Mission Editor, on the right side of the screen, click on the Waypoint type (Waypoint).

2. A menu will open, allowing you to Select a Waypoint Type, choose Action.

1. As soon as the Waypoint Type is set to Action, Waypoint 4 will be attached to Waypoint 3 as a Custom Action.

1. In the Mission Editor, the Action tab is available on the right side of the screen. When you click on it, a drop-down menu will appear. Select Turn radio off.

1. We have now planned for the Stealth Switch to engage at Waypoint 3. From that point onward, all subsequent waypoints will be flown without any radio emissions, meaning no radio connection to the GCS. Now, let’s plan the next waypoint where the Stealth Switch will disengage. We will place this at Waypoint 4, just beyond the riverbed.

1. If we now click on the Waypoint Summary at the top of the Mission Editor, the Custom Action attached to Waypoint 3 is listed as Action.

1. We create another Waypoint anywhere on the map, which will be set as the Custom Action to disengage the Stealth Switch. In the Mission Editor, on the right side of the screen, click on the Waypoint type (Waypoint).

2. A menu will open, allowing you to Select a Waypoint Type, choose Action.

1. As soon as the Waypoint Type is set to Action, Waypoint 5 will be attached to Waypoint 4 as a Custom Action to disengage the Stealth Switch.

1. In the Mission Editor, select Turn radio on from the drop-down menu in the Action tab.

1. After a few seconds, the Radio Connection with the GCS should be re-established. From this point, the mission can continue with another Stealth Switch activation or a landing at the home position.

1. After the Mission Start Action has been planned, Waypoints can be added by clicking anywhere on the map. Select the Waypoint Tool from the Plan Tools on the left side of the screen.

1. Click anywhere on the map to designate a location for the waypoint.

1. After placing the Waypoint on the map, the Mission tab in the Mission Editor on the right side of the screen will open.

1. When clicking on the waypoint number, the Waypoint Summary opens, where all planned waypoints, survey and corridor items, and custom actions are available. Click on any of them to jump to the selected item.

1. Waypoint type changes the waypoint command. The following Waypoint Commands are available in AMC's Normal Mode.

Waypoint

The vehicle will fly to the User-specified Location and Altitude, and once there, continue on to the next mission item. If there is no mission item after the waypoint, the vehicle will orbit in place at the waypoint’s location.

Orbit (time)

The vehicle will travel to the User-defined Orbit Location and Altitude. Once it arrives, the vehicle will Orbit the area until the specified orbit time expires, then it will proceed to the next mission item.

If the altitude of an Orbit (time) or Waypoint mission item is different from the vehicle’s current altitude, the vehicle will fly directly to the mission item in a straight line. It will not first ascend or descend to match the mission item’s altitude before proceeding forward.

If the vehicle’s climb or descent rate isn’t sufficient to reach the destination mission item on a direct path, it will orbit at the mission item’s horizontal position until it completes the climb or descent to the required altitude.

Orbit Time defines the duration of the Orbit Command, while Orbit Radius determines the size of the Orbit. Exit orbit from provides two choices for where within the Orbit the vehicle will exit.

Orbit (altitude)

The vehicle will fly to the Orbit (altitude) point at its current mission altitude. Only after reaching the horizontal location of the Orbit (altitude) will the vehicle begin climbing or descending to the user-specified altitude. This behavior differs from that of the other mission items described above. When using Orbit (altitude), be especially cautious about terrain collisions.

Orbit (altitude) is suitable for reaching a specific altitude before the flight path continues. This is necessary to avoid terrain collisions if the vehicle cannot achieve the required climb or descent rate directly on route.

Altitude defines the final height of the Orbit Command, while Orbit Radius determines the size of the Orbit. Exit orbit from provides two choices for where within the Orbit the vehicle will exit.

Action

A waypoint that becomes a Custom Action attaches itself to the former Waypoint. This Custom Action can be used, for example, to enable or disable the Stealth Switch or to plan a Cargo Drop. The Stealth Switch and the Cargo Drop will be discussed in a later chapter in this manual.

1. The Altitude Frame is set to HGT by default. For standard operation, it is recommended to leave this setting as it is.

1. Set the Altitude of the Waypoint using the Altitude Slider or by typing in the desired value. The Default Waypoints altitude is set in the Mission Start Action and can be adjusted for each Waypoint individually. The following Waypoint automatically inherits the altitude of the previous Waypoint.

1. 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.

1. The Waypoint can be deleted by clicking the Red Trash Bin in the lower right corner of the Mission Editor window. By clicking the Three Dashes in the lower left corner of the Mission Editor window, Geographic Coordinates can be inserted for the Waypoint. Insert the values for the coordinate system of your choice and click Set to confirm the coordinates. Set From Vehicle Position will set the Waypoint to the current vehicle position.

Point of Interest (POI)

1. Select the POI Tool from the Plan Tools on the left side of the screen. Click on the map where you want to set the POI location. The camera gimbal will automatically point towards the most recently created POI.

1. In the Mission Editor, located on the right side of the screen, the POI menu displays the following settings.

1. For the POI the Altitude Frame is set to AGL by default. It is recommended to leave this setting as it is.

1. The altitude of the POI can be set using the Altitude Slider. In most cases, it is recommended to leave this value at 0 m.

2. The POI can be deleted by clicking the Red Trash Bin in the lower right corner of the Mission Editor window. By clicking the Three Dashes in the lower left corner of the Mission Editor window, Geographic Coordinates can be inserted for the POI. Insert the values for the coordinate system of your choice and click Set to confirm the coordinates. Set From Vehicle Position will set the Waypoint to the current vehicle position.

3. To cancel the POI, select the Cancel POI tool from the Plan Tools.

Chapter Index

• Land Approach

• VTOL Takeoff

• Return

Planned Mission

• Mission Compliance: Ensure the mission conforms to all local laws, regulations, and airspace restrictions.

• Mission Plan: Verify the mission was planned according to the guidelines outlined in the Plan section of this manual.

• Terrain Altitude: Verify that altitudes are set appropriately against terrain height for the entire flight path.

• Obstacle Clearance: Maintain a vertical separation of at least 25 meters above the highest obstacle at every stage in the fixed-wing portion of the flight.

• Path Clearance: Verify the mission path is free of obstructions for at least 200 meters in each horizontal direction.

• VTOL Operations: Confirm proper application of VTOL takeoff and landing procedures.

• Takeoff: Ensure the takeoff location is free from obstructions up to the transition altitude for 500 meters in the transition direction and 200 meters in every horizontal direction. In case of a failed airspeed sensor, the vehicle will fully engage the pusher motor for 25 seconds and fly in a straight line before aborting the transition due to a failure to achieve the transition airspeed.

• Landing Site: Verify the landing site is free of obstacles and structures taller than the transition altitude.

• Orbit Land Pattern: Ensure the orbit and landing approach are clear and maintain at least 25 meters above any obstacle.

• Wind Direction: Align the vehicle’s takeoff and landing paths against the wind, pointing the vehicle in the direction from which the wind is coming.

Quick Takeoff (if applicable)

• Land Approaches: Ensure obstacle-free sectors are selected for the landing approach. The vehicle will automatically perform the back transition to multirotor mode into the wind, or get as close as possible to this direction given the limitations of the selected sectors.

• VTOL Operations: Plan takeoff altitude to be 15 meters above obstacles and landing altitude 25 meters above obstacles.

• Holding Pattern: Set VTOL takeoff orbit with at least 25 meters of clearance above obstacles. The orbit's altitude is always 80 meters relative to the takeoff location.

• Takeoff: Ensure the takeoff location is free from obstructions up to the transition altitude for 500 meters in the transition direction and 200 meters in every horizontal direction. In case of a failed airspeed sensor, the vehicle will fully engage the pusher motor for 25 seconds and fly in a straight line before aborting the transition due to a failure to achieve the transition airspeed. Strong winds can shift the orbit in any direction, altering its shape. For example, due to wind influence, a circular orbit may change in its shape to become more oval.

• Wind Direction: Align the vehicle’s takeoff and transition against the wind, pointing the vehicle in the direction from which the wind is coming.

Airframe

• Maintenance Cycles: Ensure the vehicle is within preventive maintenance intervals.

• Regulatory Compliance: Confirm the airframe complies with all local rules and regulations and is permitted to fly the intended mission.

• Parts Inspection: Check for damage, dirt, secure mounting, and fastening:

  • Fuselage: Undamaged and clean.

  • Skid Antennas: Undamaged.

  • Propellers: Correctly mounted, securely fastened, and free of damage and dirt.

  • VTOL Arms: Properly mounted and fastened.

  • VTOL Motors: Spinning freely, no play in the bearings.

  • Pusher Motor Pod: Correctly mounted, securely fastened.

  • Pusher Motor: Spinning freely, no play in the bearings.

  • Wings: Mounted securely, undamaged, and clean.

  • Wing Tip LEDs: Clean and operational (if applicable).

  • Elevons: Moving freely, undamaged, and clean.

  • Payloads: Correctly mounted, and payload-dependent checks completed (SD cards/USB sticks installed if required).

• Battery Check: Ensure the flight batteries are undamaged, with no dents or swelling, and that all cables and connectors are intact. When flying with two batteries, ensure both are fully charged and have the same charge level.

• Pitot Tube: Clear of damage, dirt, and water. After flights in rain, store the DeltaQuad Evo in a dry space for 24 hours to dry the airspeed sensor and tubes.

• Landing Gear: Free of damage and dirt. The vehicle should be launched from a solid surface free of mud as the landing gear can collect mud and add weight to the vehicle.

• Hatch: Free of damage and dirt.

Cold Weather Considerations (Below 5°C)

• Ice, Snow, or Mud: Ensure the landing gear is free from ice, snow, or mud as this can result in the landing gear legs freezing onto the VTOL arms not being able to deploy during landing.

• Solid Surface Launch: The vehicle should be launched from a solid surface free of snow or mud.

• Pitot Tube Icing: Verify the pitot tube is ice-free.

• Battery Temperature: Batteries must be heated above 10°C before takeoff.

Before Closing Hatch

• Sunlight Exposure: Avoid exposure to direct sunlight when idle for more than 5 minutes to prevent overheating.

• Flight Batteries: Ensure batteries are properly installed, power connectors securely connected, and fully seated. When operating with an auxiliary battery, ensure the locking latch is rotated 90 degrees to secure the battery.

• Payloads: Verify payloads are installed and detected. Custom payloads must not exceed 3 kg in total.

• APDS Payload: Ensure APDS cargo cannot move excessively during flight. (If applicable, use compartment dividers.)

• System Status: The DeltaQuad Evo status OLED reads Ready to fly.

After Closing Hatch

• Hatch Security: Ensure the hatch is secured, with the closing mechanism pushed down, locked, and sitting flush with the fuselage.

• Vehicle Positioning: Position the vehicle on the designated takeoff/landing zone, facing into the wind.

Before Takeoff

• Weather Conditions: Ensure weather conditions are within mission tolerances. Verify that wind speed and gust limits are within safe VTOL and fixed-wing operation parameters.

• Communications Check: Confirm communication between UAV and GCS is reliable. If in use, check the VPN connection.

• GCS Warnings: Verify no warnings appear on the GCS.

• GPS Lock: Ensure stable GPS lock with at least 10 satellites.

• Vehicle Status: Confirm “Ready to Fly” status (green label) in AMC. If Position not available, do an in-field compass calibration. (Oscillate the drone around its three axes by approximately ±30 degrees.)

• Failsafe Settings: Confirm safety features are set correctly, and failsafe settings are properly configured in case of communication loss or low battery.

• Physical Orientation: The vehicle's current physical orientation should match the heading observed on GCS.

• Battery Check: Verify in AMC that the flight battery indicator shows a full charge (greater than 95%).

• Complete AMC Preflight checklist: Ensure all items are completed, including:

  • Ground Equipment Charge: Ensure ground equipment has sufficient charge to perform the mission.

  • Airspeed Sensor: Verify positive airspeed in telemetry. To test provide airflow in front of the pitot tube.

  • Control Surfaces Check: Perform control surfaces functionality check.

  • Mission Upload: If applicable confirm the mission plan is uploaded.

  • Clear Takeoff Area: Check for a clear takeoff area and airspace.

Interactive Preflight checklist in AMC

To access the interactive Preflight checklist in AMC, click on the Vehicle Status Indicator in the screen's upper left corner.

The Vehicle overview window opens. Click on the Preflight checklist tab in the lower-left corner of the window.

Go through each step of the Preflight checklist. The checklist can be reset to start over by clicking on the reset icon on the upper-right side of the screen.

You can enforce the Preflight checklist. Navigate to AMC menu -> Setting -> General -> Fly View.

Understanding Line of Sight (LOS):

Line of sight refers to the unobstructed path between two points, such as between a drone and its remote control or between two communication devices. Maintaining a clear line of sight is essential for reliable communication regarding radio systems on drones.

Importance of LOS for Radio Systems on Drones:

1. Signal Strength:

• Radio signals, including those used for drone communication, travel in straight lines. Any obstacles, like buildings or trees, can weaken or disrupt the signal.

• LOS minimizes signal interference, ensuring a strong and stable connection between the drone and the remote control.

1. Reliability and Stability:

• A clear line of sight enhances the reliability of communication. This is particularly crucial for real-time control of drones, where a delay or loss of signal could lead to accidents or loss of the drone.

1. Range Limitations:

• The effective range of radio signals is limited. Maintaining LOS allows the drone to operate within its specified range, ensuring that commands from the remote control reach the drone and vice versa.

Factors Affecting LOS:

1. Physical Obstacles:

• Buildings, hills, and other physical structures can obstruct the line of sight. It's essential to fly the drone in areas with minimal obstructions for optimal communication.

1. Environmental Conditions:

• Weather conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, or snow, can also affect LOS. In adverse weather, LOS may decrease, leading to potential communication issues.

1. Frequency and Wavelength:

• The frequency of the radio signal used by the drone affects its ability to penetrate obstacles. Higher frequencies may have more difficulty passing through obstacles, emphasizing the need for LOS.

Fresnel Zone

The Fresnel zone, in the context of drone radio systems, is a critical concept related to the propagation of radio waves between the transmitter (typically the remote control) and the receiver (the drone). It plays a significant role in ensuring reliable communication by accounting for potential obstacles that might impact the signal's path.

Key points about the Fresnel zone in drone radio systems:

1. Elliptical Zone:

   • The Fresnel zone is an elliptical region that surrounds the direct line of sight (LOS) between the transmitter and the receiver. It extends both horizontally and vertically, forming an elongated shape.

1. Importance for Signal Propagation:

   • The Fresnel zone is crucial because it represents the area through which radio waves travel as they propagate between the transmitter and the receiver. An obstruction within this zone can cause signal diffraction, leading to signal weakening or disruption.

2. Factors Influencing Fresnel Zone:

   • The size of the Fresnel zone depends on several factors, including the distance between the transmitter and receiver, the frequency of the radio signal, and the terrain along the path.

3. Clearance for Unobstructed Signal:

   • For optimal signal strength and reliability, it is essential to ensure that the Fresnel zone is relatively free of obstructions. Obstacles within this zone, such as buildings, trees, or hills, can cause signal degradation.

4. Interference Avoidance:

   • Understanding the Fresnel zone is crucial for avoiding interference from obstacles and maintaining a robust communication link between the drone and the remote control. Interference can lead to signal loss, reduced control range, and potential safety hazards.

Tips for Maintaining LOS:

1. Choose Open Spaces:

• Fly drones in open areas with fewer obstructions to ensure a clear line of sight.

1. Monitor Environmental Conditions:

• Be aware of weather conditions that could impact LOS. Avoid flying in heavy rain or foggy weather.

Understand Regulations:

Adhere to local regulations that may require maintaining visual line of sight with the drone. These regulations are often in place to ensure safety and prevent accidents.

In summary, maintaining a clear line of sight is crucial for the effective operation of radio systems on drones. It ensures reliable communication, stable control, and compliance with regulations, contributing to a safer and more efficient drone flight experience.

The Settings menu can be accessed via the AMC menu.

General

The General Settings serve as the primary location for application-level configuration. Configurable options include display units, miscellaneous settings, fly view settings, plan view settings, and storage. These values can be adjusted even when no vehicle is connected. Settings that require a vehicle restart are indicated in the user interface.

The following list outlines the most frequently used settings for day-to-day operations.

Units

• Switches between the metric and imperial systems.

Miscellaneous

• Color Scheme: Switches between Indoor and Outdoor color profiles.

• UI Scaling: Adjusts the scaling of the user interface.

• Always Start AMC in Advanced Mode: Ensures AMC opens in Advanced Mode by default.

Fly View

• Use Preflight Checklist: Enforces the interactive Preflight Checklist.

• Enable Terrain Collision Checks: Keep this enabled for safety!

• Display MGRS Coordinates: Toggles MGRS coordinates; when disabled, the Lat-Lon decimal system is active.

• Altitude Mode (HGT/MSL/AGL): By default, set to HGT, which measures altitude relative to the Home Location.

• Guided Minimum/Maximum Altitude: Affects the values displayed on the Altitude Slider in Fly View when adjusting altitude.

• Guided Maximum Distance: Indicates the maximum orbital distance relative to the vehicle's location.

Plan View

• Default Waypoints Altitude: Sets the default altitude for waypoints, which can also be adjusted in the Plan View.

• Waypoints Maximum Altitude: Specifies the maximum waypoint altitude, typically set to the altitude ceiling permitted by laws and regulations.

• VTOL Transition Distance: Defines the distance at which the vehicle transitions from multirotor mode (Hover) to fixed-wing mode (Aero).

• Missions Do Not Require Takeoff Item: Important for quick takeoffs, mission planning, and uploading in mid-air.

• Display Simulated Path During Mission Planning: A helpful tool that simulates the flight path of the Evo based on the programmed mission items.

• Enable Mission Cloud Sync: When utilizing Auterion’s cloud features, mission plans can be synchronized with the Auterion Suite.

Telemetry Logs from Vehicle

• Save Log After Each Flight: Basic telemetry logging in AMC is enabled by default. To disable it, uncheck the checkbox. This setting is relevant for missions where no telemetry data should be recorded, not even on the GCS.

Team Awareness

• This menu is necessary for setting up ATAK. For more information, please read here.

Comm Links

The Comm Links feature enables you to manually create and connect to communication links. To add a new Comm Link, simply click the Add button. This menu is relevant when connecting a Secondary Control Terminal or when connecting to the Auterion Suite to use the simulator.

Offline Maps

This feature allows you to cache maps for offline use.

At the bottom of the screen, options to import and export map data are available. Options provide additional caching choices and allow you to enter the Mapbox Access Token.

When you select Add New Set at the top of the screen, you can choose map tiles for download.

On the right side of the screen, options for Name, Map Type, Elevation Profile, and Zoom Levels are available. After making your selections, the Tile Count and Estimated Size (storage) are displayed. Click Download to commence the download.

Maps & Terrain

In the Maps & Terrain tab, you will find three submenus:

• Third-PartyThird Party Licensing: Enter your personal access token for maps.

• Imagery: Customize your map provider and map type, and set custom imagery.

• Terrain: Select an elevation provider.

Mavlink & Consloe

Setting a Geofence in the Safety Tab

1. Navigate to the Geofence option in the Safety tab: AMC Menu -> Vehicle Overview -> Safety -> Geofence Failsafe Trigger.

1. When AMC is running in Normal Mode, the Action on breach tab provides the following four options to choose from. Set the action required for the planned operation.

1. When enabling Max Radius, a geofence will be placed with the DeltaQuad Evo at its center. Set the values for Max Radius and Max Altitude (HGT) in the respective fields.

Setting a Geofence in the Plan View

Polygon Fences

1. Go to the Plan View and navigate to the Extra tab in the Mission Editor on the right side of the screen: AMC Menu → Plan View → Extra.

1. In the Extra tab, two geofence options are available: Polygon Fences and Circular Fences. Add a geofence by clicking the plus sign next to the desired geofence shape. A geofence will be positioned at the center of the map.

1. The Polygon Fence can be repositioned by dragging the geofence while holding the inner vertex (green point). Clicking on the outer (white) vertices gives the option to remove a vertex or enter the geocoordinates for that specific point. The outer vertices can also be dragged in any direction to shape the polygon into the desired form.

1. Clicking any of the plus signs on the geofence adds another vertex.

1. Hold and drag any of the vertices to shape the polygon.

1. Hold and drag the inner green vertex to reposition the fence in any direction.

1. The geofence can be set to be inclusive or exclusive. By default, the Type is set to Inclusion. Change the Type by selecting Exclusion in the respective tab.

1. If a height limit for the geofence is required, this can be set in the Geofence Failsafe Trigger tab in the Safety settings. Enable Max Altitude (HGT) and set the desired value. The Action on breach will be triggered when the vehicle crosses the set altitude.

1. When the Extra tab (Geofences) is selected, two Plan Tools on the left side of the screen are available. The full functionality of these tools can be reviewed in the chapter Plan View. The File option allows you to save the geofence(s), and the Center option provides multiple ways to center the view.

Circular Fences

1. When adding a Circular Fence, it will be placed at the center of the map.

1. The radius can be adjusted by holding and dragging the outer vertex left or right. Alternatively, a value for the radius can be set in the Radius tab in the Mission Editor on the right side of the screen.

1. The Circular Fence can be repositioned by holding and dragging the inner vertex in any direction.

1. As with the Polygon Fence, the Circular Fence Type can be set to either inclusive or exclusive.

1. If a height limit for the geofence is required, this can be set in the Geofence Failsafe Trigger tab in the Safety settings. Enable Max Altitude (HGT) and set the desired value. The Action on breach will be triggered when the vehicle crosses the set altitude.

1. When the Extra tab (Geofences) is selected, two Plan Tools on the left side of the screen are available. The full functionality of these tools can be reviewed in the chapter Plan View. The File option allows you to save the geofence(s), and the Center option provides multiple ways to center the view.

Inclusive and Exclusive Geofences

Exceptions

1. After all Intermediate Waypoints have been planned, click the End tab in the Mission Editor on the right side of the screen. Three options for the Mission End Action will be displayed.

1. By choosing either Add Orbit Land Pattern or Add Straight Land Pattern, the following two options will be available if the vehicle is connected to the AMC.

Orbit Land Pattern

1. When choosing Add Orbit Land Pattern, AMC automatically creates the Landing Pattern as shown on the map.

1. When choosing Add Orbit Land Pattern, the following window appears on the right side of the screen, providing options for the Orbit of the Landing Pattern.

1. The Altitude Frame is set to HGT by default. For standard operation, it is recommended to leave this setting as it is.

Altitude Frame Options

1. Set the Altitude (Land Altitude) to at least 25 meters above any obstacle in the landing area.

2. It is recommended to leave the Radius at 100 meters. 75 meters is possible in calm winds.

1. The Orbit Direction will be clockwise by default. This option can be disabled, allowing the Orbit position to be set to the north, which enables a counter-clockwise Orbit Direction.

1. The direction of the Landing Pattern will be automatically set to match the Takeoff and Transition Direction, assuming that the Transition Direction was planned so that the vehicle can perform the Takeoff and Transition into the wind. The Orbit and, therefore, the Landing Direction can be repositioned if a crosswind landing is necessary. This procedure should only be performed in wind conditions below 5 m/s. The Set to takeoff heading button can be used to realign the landing direction to the vehicle's heading.

1. The Move land to vehicle option sets the Landing Location to the vehicle’s position when the vehicle is connected to AMC. This can be convenient if the mission was initially planned without the vehicle being connected.

1. The Mission End Action can be deleted by clicking the Red Ttrash Bin in the lower right corner of the Mission Editor window. By clicking the Three Dashes in the lower left corner of the Mission Editor window, the option Move to vehicle position appears. This option is the same as Move land to vehicle.

1. When choosing Edit Land Position, a window will open where geographic coordinates can be inserted for the Landing Location. Insert the values for the coordinate system of your choice and click Set to confirm the coordinates. Set From Vehicle Position will set the Landing Location to the current vehicle position.

Straight Land Pattern

1. When choosing Add Straight Land Pattern, AMC automatically creates the Landing Pattern as shown on the map.

1. When choosing Add Straight Land Pattern, the following window appears on the right side of the screen, providing the following Settings.

1. The Altitude Frame is set to HGT by default. For standard operation, it is recommended to leave this setting as it is.

Altitude Frame Options

1. Set the Land Start altitude. This is the altitude the vehicle starts its descent to the set Transition altitude.

2. Set the Transition altitude to at least 25 meters above any obstacle in the landing area.

3. The direction of the Straight Land Pattern will be automatically set to match the Takeoff and Transition Direction, assuming that the Transition Direction was planned so that the vehicle can perform the Takeoff and Transition into the wind. The Straight Land Pattern can be repositioned if a crosswind landing is necessary. This procedure should only be performed in wind conditions below 5 m/s. The Set to takeoff heading button can be used to realign the landing direction to the vehicle's heading.

1. The Move land to vehicle option sets the Landing Location to the vehicle’s position when the vehicle is connected to AMC. This can be convenient if the mission was initially planned without the vehicle being connected.

1. The Mission End Action can be deleted by clicking the Red Trash Bin in the lower right corner of the Mission Editor window. By clicking the Three Dashes in the lower left corner of the Mission Editor window, the option Move to vehicle position appears. This option is the same as Move land to vehicle.

1. When choosing Edit Land Position, a window will open where geographic coordinates can be inserted for the Landing Location. Insert the values for the coordinate system of your choice and click Set to confirm the coordinates. Set From Vehicle Position will set the Landing Location to the current vehicle position.

Add Loiter

The Mission End Action can be set to a Loiter. This is useful when using the Quick Takeoff functionality, where a mission plan is created and uploaded to the vehicle after takeoff. These mission plans do not use a traditional Takeoff and Transition item, as the Quick Takeoff is used. After the mission plan has been executed, the vehicle will loiter at the planned Orbit location, awaiting the next commands. For more details about the Quick Takeoff, please read here.

Mission Upload

After the mission plan has been created, make sure to verify the ground elevation. The Terrain Altitude Indicator displays the mission height (orange top line) and the ground elevation (green ground profile).

A ground collision is indicated in the Terrain Altitude Indicator by the orange line turning red. On the map, the orange flight path will turn yellow. For more information about the Terrain Altitude Indicator, please revisit the dedicated section here.

After the mission has been planned and all necessary items thoroughly checked, the mission plan can be uploaded to the vehicle by clicking on the Upload Mission button.

• An internet connection is needed for AMC to access the necessary map and elevation data. When operating in offline mode, map and elevation data can be downloaded beforehand through the AMC Menu -> Settings -> Offline Maps.

• The altitude calculations in AMC and any Geographic Information System (GIS) software, such as Google Earth, do not account for the height of trees and obstacles. However, Google Earth has a higher resolution in terms of altitude calculation. In challenging conditions, it is recommended to consult Google Earth and verify the correct altitudes of the mission area. Mission plans can be exported as a KML file by navigating to File -> Local Storage -> Save as KML and then imported into Google Earth. By moving the mouse around, you can see the absolute altitudes in the bottom right corner. Note: these are ground altitudes, not tree-top heights.

The flight path can be extended to the ground to visualize the space between the mission altitude and the ground. In Google Earth, select the Flight Path -> Properties -> Altitude -> check Extend path to ground.

• The indicated Orbit in the case of a loiter down is only an estimate. Based on wind conditions and the vehicle’s position, the DeltaQuad Evo may drift outside this circle by up to 100 meters. Therefore, be sure to thoroughly inspect the entire landing area and its surroundings.

• In most cases, the Straight Land Pattern is a better approach and is the recommended standard for the landing pattern.

• Planning altitudes should always be done relative to the Landing Point (HGT), and altitude differences between the Landing Points and the location of the Landing Orbit should be checked to ensure a safe landing.

• A vertical takeoff or landing in Multirotor Mode (Hover) consumes significantly more energy than a Fixed-Wing (Aero) flight. For maximum efficiency, an altitude between 25 and 35 meters above the highest obstacles in the landing area is recommended for landing.

• At every stage in the Fixed-Wing portion of the flight, a vertical separation of at least 25 meters above the highest obstacle must be maintained.

• Most wind forecasts are based on ground-level wind. Even 10 meters above the ground the wind can be significantly stronger.

• During the transition phase of the Transition Direction item, the vehicle has limited navigational abilities and could drift from its intended direction. The transition should therefore always be performed at an altitude where it is safe for the vehicle to perform the transition in any direction.

• When planning a mission in the Plan View, a simulated flight path prediction is available if the DeltaQuad Evo is connected to the GCS. The simulated flight path, represented in blue, helps plan smoother directional and altitude changes between waypoints by indicating a loiter at a new waypoint if the climb rate is too high for the vehicle. The simulated flight path is enabled by default and can be accessed through AMC Menu -> Settings -> Plan View.

1. Once the Mission Start Action has been created, a Corridor Scan can be placed anywhere on the map to autonomously cover an area by flying a predefined path. To do this, click on the Pattern Tool in the Plan Tools located on the right side of the screen and choose Corridor Scan.

1. A Corridor Scan item will be created and the Mission Editor on the right side of the screen will display the Corridor Scan Settings.

1. For ISR operations, it is recommended to choose Manual (no camera specs) as this provides direct access to the Corridor Scan Altitude and Spacing without the need to set the Overlaps.

1. The Survey area selector offers tools to create shapes for the Survey Pattern.

Rectangle Tool

• Creates a rectangular corridor on the map. Use the vertices to shape the form and to reposition it. Clicking the plus sign in the green survey area adds additional vertices.

Trace Tool

• The Trace Tool lets the operator draw a Corridor Scan by clicking anywhere on the map. Use the vertices to shape the form and to reposition it. Clicking the plus sign in the green survey area adds additional vertices.

• Click on a vertex with the left mouse button to remove it or enter geo-coordinates for that specific point.

• Once tracing is complete, confirm by clicking the Done Tracing button in the Mission Editor.

Load KML/SHP file

• This provides the option to import KML or SHP files for the survey pattern.

1. Altitude sets the altitude of the Corridor Scan, which is usually relative to the Home Position.

1. Spacing determines the distance between the transects (trajectories within the green survey area). Spacing on the left side is 180 meters, and spacing on the right side is 50 meters.

1. The Corridor tab provides additional settings.

1. Set the Width of the Corridor Scan by using the slider or entering a value. On the left side, the Width is 200 meters, and on the right side, it is 50 meters.

1. The Turnaround Distance refers to the horizontal distance the drone travels beyond the survey area's edge at the end of a transect before making a turn to start the next parallel transect. This buffer provides the drone with enough space to turn, and align itself accurately for the next pass, ensuring smooth transitions between flight lines. Set the Turnaround Distance by moving the slider or entering a value. On the left side, the Turnaround Distance is 50 meters, and on the right side, it is 300 meters.

1. The Options tab provides two additional settings for the Corridor Scan.

• The Images in turnarounds option is important for Corridor Scans using a mapping payload, such as the Sony A7R Mark IV. This option will be discussed in the dedicated payload chapter and is not relevant to ISR operations.

• Relative altitude: When enabled, altitudes are relative to the home point. When disabled, altitudes are measured above mean sea level (AMSL).

1. Rotate Entry Point determines the vehicle's entry and exit locations for the Corridor Scan. Click the button to toggle through all possible positions.

1. The Corridor Scan can be deleted by clicking the Red Trash Bin in the lower right corner of the Mission Editor window.

1. By clicking the Three Dashes in the lower left corner of the Mission Editor window, the option Edit Position appears. Insert the values for the coordinate system of your choice and click Set to confirm the coordinates.

1. Always verify the ground elevation using the Terrain Altitude Indicator. A ground collision is indicated when the orange line turns red in the Terrain Altitude Indicator.

1. To land the vehicle, click on the Return command on the left side of the screen.

1. The Pizza Slices reappear, and the Return command can now be confirmed.

1. Clicking on the Pen icon at the top of the octagon allows changes to be applied to the sectors and the Transition Altitude. This is useful after extended flight periods, especially if weather conditions have changed.

1. Hold to confirm after making changes.

1. Hold to Confirm the Return command.

1. The vehicle will automatically place the Loiter Down item within the available sectors. It will then perform the back transition to Multirotor Mode into the wind, or as close as possible to this direction, depending on the limitations of the selected sectors.

You can start the mission when all checks are performed and everything is set up and working properly.

A mission plan or a Quick Takeoff can be started by holding the dedicated button to confirm the action.

After confirmation, the vehicle will arm its multirotor motors and perform the VTOL Takeoff and Transition as planned by the operator. When executing a mission plan, the vehicle will autonomously follow the programmed flight path. In the case of a Quick Takeoff, the vehicle will orbit at the designated location after VTOL takeoff and transition, awaiting further commands from the operator.

Returning the Vehicle During a Mission

When the vehicle needs to return during a mission, the recommended method is to direct it toward a waypoint that provides a clean entry into the pre-defined landing sequence.

You can change the active waypoint the vehicle is following by selecting the desired waypoint on the map and confirming the change request.

• In the example below, the vehicle is flying toward waypoint 3 (green - active).

• When you click on waypoint 4, a confirmation window will appear, setting waypoint 4 as the new active waypoint (green).

Returning the Vehicle During Quick Takeoff Deployment

After a Quick Takeoff has been executed and no mission plan is available, the vehicle is controlled using the Orbit command to reposition it. Once the operation is complete, an RTL command needs to be issued. It is recommended to first reposition the vehicle closer to the available sectors, where it will autonomously plan the landing pattern. This is especially important in challenging areas, as the vehicle will return in a straight line at the set return altitude toward the available sectors.

During operation, the vehicle can be commanded using the Fly and Flight Tools on the left side of the screen, as well as the Emergency Actions from the top menu bar.

Return

Return - Quick Takeoff Operation

When the Return command is given, the vehicle will fly in a straight line to the selected approach sectors at its current altitude or ascend to the minimum set return altitude while en route.

The DeltaQuad Evo will place the loiter-down orbit within the selected sectors, descend to the set landing altitude, exit the orbit in the direction of the landing location, transition, and land in multirotor mode at the planned location.

Return - Mission Plan execution (no Quick Takeoff)

When executing a mission plan, if the Return command is given by the operator or initiated by the failsafe system, the DeltaQuad Evo will return in a straight line to the planned landing pattern at its current altitude or ascend to the set minimum return altitude while en route.

After reaching the Land altitude, the vehicle will fly in the planned direction toward the landing location, perform a back transition upon reaching the takeoff location, and land in multirotor mode. This is true whether an Orbit Land Pattern or a Straight Land Pattern has been planned.

In addition to the planned Landing Pattern, the operator can select available approach sectors in the octagon for landing during a Return command. When the Return command is initiated, the red octagon appears around the takeoff location.

If no sectors are selected, the vehicle will follow the planned Landing Pattern.

If at least one sector is selected and confirmed (green), the vehicle will place the loiter-down orbit within the selected sector(s), descend to the set Back Transition altitude, exit the loiter toward the landing location, perform a back transition upon reaching the takeoff location, and land in multirotor mode.

QuadChute

Hold

When the Hold command is issued, the vehicle will maintain its current position and altitude. In fixed-wing mode, it will circle the current location with a 100-meter radius.

Mission

The Mission command becomes available once a mission plan is uploaded to the vehicle. After confirming the mission start, the vehicle will begin or resume the mission from the active waypoint (green). The active waypoint can be changed by clicking on the desired waypoint and confirming the new selection.

After selecting the new waypoint, Hold to Confirm and continue the mission from the selected waypoint.

If a mission plan includes a Landing Pattern, the vehicle will execute the mission and land at the designated location. When using Quick Takeoff, and if a mission plan is uploaded and executed, the vehicle will fly through the waypoints consecutively and orbit at the final waypoint until a new command is received.

Orbit

Once the vehicle is in fixed-wing mode, the Orbit command can be issued. Click anywhere on the map to select the orbit location.

The green flight path toward the new orbit represents the vehicle's estimated trajectory.

If the new orbit is placed beyond the set Guided Maximum Distance, the following warning will appear.

The Guided Maximum Distance can be changed in AMC Menu -> Settings -> Fly View.

The orbit can be adjusted in location, altitude, direction, and size.

• Click and hold the inner white vertex to move the orbit.

• Click and hold the outer white vertex to adjust the orbit's radius by dragging it left or right (minimum radius is 100 meters, maximum radius is 2000 meters).

• Click on the upper or lower green arrow to change the orbit's direction. By default, it rotates clockwise.

The orbit's altitude can be adjusted using the Altitude Slider on the right side of the screen.

The altitude frame and the available range of the Altitude Slider can be changed in AMC Menu -> Settings -> Fly View.

Fig 8

Once the vehicle is in fixed-wing mode, the Fig 8 command can be issued. Click anywhere on the map to select the orbit location.

The green flight path toward the Fig 8 represents the vehicle's estimated trajectory.

If the Fig 8 is placed beyond the set Guided Maximum Distance, the following warning will appear.

The Guided Maximum Distance can be changed in AMC Menu -> Settings -> Fly View.

The Fig 8 can be adjusted in location, altitude, direction, and size.

• Click and hold the inner white vertex to move the Fig 8.

• Click and hold the outer white vertex to adjust the Fig 8’s size and orientation by dragging it in any direction.

• Click on the upper or lower green arrow to change the Fig 8’s direction; by default, it rotates clockwise.

The Fig 8`s altitude can be adjusted using the Altitude Slider on the right side of the screen.

The altitude frame and the available range of the Altitude Slider can be changed in AMC Menu -> Settings -> Fly View.

Change Speed

The Change Speed Command adjusts the vehicle's airspeed and can be executed using the slider on the right side of the screen.

The maximum airspeed of the DeltaQuad Evo is 23 m/s. This airspeed applies during mission execution as well as during operations without a mission plan.

Land

The vehicle will land at its current location. If it is in fixed-wing mode, it will first transition back to multirotor mode and then begin its descent until touchdown.

Transition

The Transition Command toggles between the VTOL modes of the vehicle. When the vehicle is flying in fixed-wing mode, it switches to multirotor mode, and vice versa.

• Areo - fixed-wing mode

• Transition - transitioning from one VTOL mode to the other VTOL mode

• Hover - multirotor mode

Emergency Actions

LANDING will land the vehicle immediately at its current location. When the vehicle is in fixed-wing mode, it will first transition to multirotor mode and start its descent.

SHUTDOWN will stop all motors IMMEDIATELY. This procedure should only be used while the vehicle is on the ground or as a last resort to avoid damage to people or property.

MODE

The MODE Indicator displays the current flight mode (VTOL Takeoff, Hold, Altitude, Position, Return, Land, Mission). Select to enable Altitude or Position mode.

Throughout the mission, both the telemetry data and the vehicle should be closely monitored. While this task can be performed by a single operator, it is recommended to have both an operator and an observer. The observer should continuously watch the vehicle and its surroundings, alerting the operator to any issues or nearby traffic.

• The provides relevant information about altitude, speed, distance, flight time, heading, wind direction, and wind speed.

• The at the top of the screen should be monitored closely, as this indicator is dynamic and adjusts based on various factors, such as weather conditions and flying style.

Chapter Index

Once the vehicle is launched and has transitioned to fixed-wing mode, you can control it using the following methods.

Repositioning the Vehicle and Changing the Altitude

• While the vehicle is in flight, you can select the or command from the on the left side of the screen.

• Tap anywhere on the map to choose the location for the Orbit or Fig 8.

• When issuing an Orbit or Fig 8 command, the altitude can be adjusted. The Altitude Slider will appear on the right side of the screen, allowing you to select a new altitude.

• After confirming the command, the vehicle will change course to the chosen location and adjust to the selected altitude.

• Mission plan execution can be paused using the command. Reposition the vehicle manually and adjust altitude using the Orbit and Fig 8 commands. You can resume the mission at the selected active waypoint at any time by using the command.

• At any point during the flight, the command can be issued to bring the vehicle back to the designated landing location.

• Airspeed can be changed with the command.

Joystick Control - Fixed-wing Mode

For joystick (manual) control, the flight mode must be changed. Press the Mode button in AMC's Top Bar. Two options will be offered: Altitude and Position mode.

Flight modes explained

• Altitude mode - The DeltaQuad Evo will automatically hold its altitude and direction until changed by the stick input. For flight stabilization and navigation, it will only rely on the IMU and not make use of the compass and GPS.

• Position mode - The DeltaQuad Evo will automatically hold its altitude and direction until changed by the stick input. For flight stabilization and navigation, it relies on the IMU and makes use of the compass and GPS.

• In fixed-wing mode, the vehicle can be controlled with the right joystick input.

• Moving the right joystick left or right will cause the vehicle to change direction.

• Moving the joystick forward or backward controls the vehicle's altitude.

• Pushing the joystick forward decreases altitude.

• Pulling the joystick backward increases altitude.

Nudging

After the Evo transitions from fixed-wing mode to multirotor mode, the vehicle will deploy the landing gear and descend to the planned landing point.

• The operator can halt the descent by pushing the left joystick forward.

• The vehicle will maintain its altitude and position. The right joystick controls the vehicle's position. Moving the joystick forward, backward, left, or right changes the vehicle's position relative to its current heading.

• The left joystick controls the vehicle's descent and heading. Moving the joystick up will halt the descent while returning returning the joystick to the middle position or moving it down will resume the descent. Moving the joystick left or right changes the vehicle's heading (yaw).

Joystick Control - Multirotor Mode

For joystick (manual) control, the flight mode must be changed. Press the Mode button in AMC's Top Bar. Two options will be offered: Altitude and Position mode.

Flight modes explained

• Altitude Mode: The DeltaQuad Evo will automatically maintain its altitude while the pilot controls the horizontal direction. It relies solely on the IMU for stabilization and navigation, without utilizing the compass or GPS. During Altitude mode, drift can occur due to wind influences.

• Position Mode: The DeltaQuad Evo will hold both its altitude and position until adjusted by stick input. For stabilization and navigation, it uses the IMU along with the compass and GPS for enhanced accuracy.

• The left joystick controls the vehicle's altitude and heading.

• Moving the joystick forward will increase the altitude.

• Moving the joystick backward will decrease the altitude.

• Moving the joystick left or right changes the heading (yaw) of the vehicle.

• The right joystick controls the position of the vehicle. Moving this joystick, forward, backward, left, or right changes the position of the vehicle relative to its current heading.

VTOL Takeoff

1. In the next step, the VTOL Takeoff and Transition must be planned. A flight path from the vehicle to an orbit is shown. This orbit can be dragged within a confined space defined by AMC by grabbing the white vertex.

1. The Transition Altitude must be set by adjusting the slider on the right side of the screen. The Altitude Frame is AGL, Above Ground Level (Altitude Above Ground Level).

2. Hold to Confirm the VTOL Takeoff.

The Vehicle Overview can be accessed via the AMC menuor by clicking the Vehicle Status Indicator.

Notifications

The Notifications window provides in-flight information for pilots. A more detailed log is uploaded to the Auterion Suite for analysis if the cloud functionality is enabled.

Sensors

Connectivity - Wifi Tab

The Wi-Fi connection is used to establish a wireless link to the flight controller. It facilitates Vehicle Activation and enables minor background updates for the software running on the DeltaQuad Evo.

Hotspot Mode (Default): The flight controller creates a Wi-Fi access point (Hotspot) that a device can connect to for Wi-Fi telemetry. The default SSID (Network) is: skynode-<serialnumber>.

Station Mode (Disable Hotspot Mode): The flight controller automatically connects to an existing local Wi-Fi network using the supplied credentials. If this Wi-Fi network also provides internet access, the vehicle will connect to the Auterion Suite.

Wi-Fi Settings in AMC:

• Wi-Fi: Select to enable Wi-Fi.

• Hotspot Mode: Select to enable Hotspot mode.

• Network (SSID): skynode-<serialnumber> (default)

• Password: 1234567890 (default)

• Status:

  • Green: Connected

  • Red: Disconnected

• Reset to Hotspot: Resets credentials to the default Hotspot settings.

• Connect: Connects to the selected Wi-Fi network.