Changing Modes
Changing flight modes can be done from either the hand controller or in the GCS.
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Changing Modes with the Hand Controller
The hand controller has a dedicated three-position flight mode switch labeled Auto, Mode 1, Mode 2. The top switch position is set to Auto by default, the other two modes are configurable. The modes available on the switch are the same regardless if the aircraft is in vertical or forward flight.
To re-configure the mode switch, go to the Settings tab ⇨ Flight Modes in Swift GCS. You must save your changes for the new configuration to take effect.
The last commanded mode takes precedence. For instance, if the aircraft is in auto mode, and the safety pilot switches to fly-by-wire (FBW) with the hand controller, the aircraft will change to FBW. If the operator selects auto in the GCS afterward, the aircraft will switch back to auto, even if the hand controller is not in the auto position. To return to FBW, the safety pilot can either briefly switch between modes on the controller or select FBW in the GCS.
Avoid switching to manual mode when changing flight modes, even for a brief moment.
The current flight mode is displayed on the top status bar in the GCS.
Changing between Vertical and Forward Modes
Forward
Commanding a forward flight mode (except manual) during vertical flight prompts an immediate transition to forward flight. The FPS engine will go full throttle as the aircraft wants to gain speed.
The aircraft will transition at whatever altitude and heading it is currently at if commanded to do so. This can be extremely dangerous when close to the ground and must be avoided.
Changing to mode manual while in vertical flight will immediately shut off the VPS motors.
Vertical
Commanding a vertical flight mode during forward flight prompts an immediate detranstion to a hover. The aircraft will slow down and spin the VPS motors.
The aircraft has limited battery capacity for vertical flight. Vertical flight is only intended for taking off and landing, not extended hovering.