VISTA: VTOL for Intelligent Survey and Targeted Acquisition

Autonomous VTOL-to-fixed-wing transition and path planning for targeted ecological surveys across Utah.

Hybrid VTOL Autonomy and Path Planning

VISTA develops autonomy and path planning methods for a hybrid drone platform that transitions between vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) mode and fixed-wing flight. VTOL mode enables launch and recovery without a runway, while fixed-wing mode provides the range and efficiency needed to cover large survey areas, combining the flexibility of a multirotor with the endurance of a fixed-wing aircraft.

Targeted Ecological Surveys in Utah

The platform is being applied to real-world ecological monitoring across Utah, including surveys of sage-grouse populations and mapping of invasive phragmites. By combining autonomous mode transitions with intelligent, targeted path planning, VISTA aims to deliver efficient, high-quality survey coverage in terrain that is difficult or costly to monitor with traditional methods.