| abstract |
A method, apparatus, system, and non-transitory processor-readable medium for evaluating operating conditions of an autonomous aircraft prior to mission execution by performing a brief close-in flight test maneuver at a low altitude. A processor of the autonomous air vehicle may receive a close-in test maneuver instruction indicating a close-in test maneuver to be performed by the autonomous air vehicle. The processor may control the engines to cause the aircraft to perform a close-in test maneuver within a test area, obtain data indicative of stability and performance information while performing the close-in test maneuver, and take action in response to the obtained data. action. Actions may include adjusting payload, weight, or position of a portion of the aircraft and adjusting the flight plan. The close-in flight test maneuver may include a series of actions for testing the stability and payload of the aircraft executing a flight path under expected flight conditions. |