4 – Flying ELIOS 2
ELIOS 2 USER MANUAL
Page 20 of 106
Flight modes
ELIOS 2 offers multiple flights behavior depending on the condition it is flying in. It is essential that the pilot
understands the differences between the several modes and when to use them.
Sensor Stabilized control – ASSIST (default)
Limitation: Far from objects, dusty or outdoor/sunny environments, clean metallic surfaces, or lack of features.
By default, ELIOS 2 is using its Vision and distance sensors coupled with its IMU (accelerometer, gyroscope, and
magnetometer) to increase its stability close to surfaces or objects.
Attitude control – ATTI
Limitation: Unstable static pressure
If in one of the limitations cases listed above, the Vision and distance sensors may not work correctly. In this
case, ELIOS 2 is not taking into account the Vision and distance sensors but only rely on its IMU and barometer.
While in attitude control, the altitude of the aircraft is automatically handled by the barometer. The drone will
not automatically remain in position in this mode, and will constantly drift due to local wind and turbulence
effects.
When far from objects or flying in a clean metallic environment with little features, the ASSIST mode will not
be able to work correctly and the flight control system will automatically switch to the ATTI control mode.
Dust and sunlight have a significant impact on the proper functioning of the ASSIST stabilization. However,
ELIOS 2 is not always able to recognize the errors induced by those perturbations. It is the pilot duty to assess
that the stabilization will not work in the given environment and be ready to disable it.
Manual thrust control – MAN
Gusts of wind from the outside our natural draft may disturb the static pressure the barometer relies on due
to Venturi effect. This effect will prevent the autopilot from offering a smooth control of the aircraft. The pilot
can disable the Altitude control. In this case, the Altitude joystick becomes a direct input on the throttle.
CONTROLLING THE ELIOS 2 IN MANUAL THRUST IS DIFFICULT AND
REQUIRES PROPER PILOT TRAINING.
FLYING IN MANUAL THRUST IS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY
Sport mode – SPORT
If flying in a windy environment, ELIOS 2 allows the pilot to boost its airspeed, increasing the wind resilience
of the aircraft. Using SPORT mode will automatically switch on ATTI mode.
CONTROLLING THE ELIOS 2 IN SPORT MODE IS DIFFICULT AND REQUIRES
PROPER PILOT TRAINING.
FLYING IN SPORT MODE IS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY
