THE MODEL-CONTROLLED METHOD FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF VARIABLE-STABILITY AIRCRAFT

Abstract

The application of a technique described as the model-controlled method (termed adaptive or semiadaptive when applied to auotpilots) for providing aircraft with variable stability and control characteristics is described. The development of a variable-stability helicopter using this method is treated in some detail to illustrate the significant design parameters and to demonstrate the advantages of the method over the more customary approach. The method allows for versatility in regard to simulation of complex equations of motion and what use may be made of standard computing components to construct an electrical analogue of the equations of motion of the simulated aircraft in a manner similar to that employed with ground simulation. An accurate knowledge of the test aircraft stability derivatives and their variation with speed and altitude is not required since the test aircraft response is independent of significant variations in its own characteristics. In the case of application of the method to helicopters, in-flight adjustment of the control loop parameters is not required to ensure this independence over the full speed range of the helicopter.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1963
Accession Number
AD0411599

Entities

People

  • D. G. Gould

Organizations

  • AGARD

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Bandwidth
  • Control Sticks
  • Control Systems
  • Dynamic Response
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Fixed Wing Aircraft
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Response
  • Instrument Panels
  • National Security
  • Short Takeoff Aircraft
  • Simulations
  • Simulators
  • Transfer Functions
  • Variable Stability Aircraft

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design