A test aircraft performed its first automated takeoff using an onboard image recognition system at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in France. The A350-1000 had two pilots and three test engineers on board, and in just 4.5 hours, the aircraft completed eight flights. automatic takeoffs.
"We lined up, received clearance from air traffic control, and then engaged the autopilot," said Airbus test pilot and pilot-in-command Yann Beaufis. "We moved the throttle sticks to takeoff and monitored the systems. The aircraft began to accelerate, automatically maintaining the runway centerline. The nose of the aircraft began to rise automatically until it reached the preset angle, and within seconds we were airborne."
The automated takeoff was completed as part of the Airbus ATTOL project. The next stage of testing is automated landing and taxiing, which will take place in mid-2020.
"In the future, we will be able to improve air traffic management, address the pilot shortage and improve flight safety," Airbus added.
According to company specialists, aircraft autonomy is not an end in itself; new technologies are intended to assist pilots in controlling the aircraft.
Source: trn-news.ru