Phenix Solutions completed the Phase I autopilot tuning for our Ultra 2XL Heavy Lift UAS. With help from the Embention Autopilot Technical Team, Phenix has successfully completed programing the engine, rotor system, electronic, and avionics to allow fully autonomous function of these systems. Currently, Iron-Bird testing is underway at the Phenix McMinnville facility flight testing to follow at the Pendleton, OR UAS Flight Range later this month.

The Phase I tuning revealed how precise and smoothly the actuators and control systems operated when controlled by the Embention Autopilot. Rotor system actuation is extremely responsive and smoothly moves through the entire range envelope. As the RR300 engine does not have a FADEC, Phenix developed an automated system that commands the control of starting and maintaining engine function throughout the Ultra 2XL missions along with maintaining rotor, avionics and electrical functions. Though this requires many hours of programming and testing, the Embention Autopilot has shown to be very capable of meeting the demands of the Ultra 2XL.