Design Criteria for High-Authority Closed-Loop Primary Flight Control Systems

Abstract

A study to develop improved design criteria for primary flight controls which feature feedback techniques is reported. The study consisted of eight parts, including a survey of operational problems, a review of system-gain changing (requirements and techniques), stabilization criteria for high- frequency control modes, an analysis of stall/spin maneuvers, a catalog of dominant performance characteristics which affect flying qualities, an analysis of system/airframe compatibility testing, definition of criteria for built-in test equipment, and a catalog of flight control actuator designs. Operational problems include high angle-of-attack stability and potential control loss. A math model of a spinning F-4 was used to study basic effects and associated control criteria. Nominal control laws in pitch and yaw tended to be beneficial for departure inhibition; roll control degraded controllability. Spin recovery demands full surface deployment without detraction by feedback. The controllability limit for spin recovery was defined. The compatibility test analysis featured closed-loop simulation of structural response. Compensation for surface aerodynamics and special airframe support to avoid bending mode distortion were justified. Criteria for built-in test equipment in redundant flight controls to produce adequate flight safety and mission reliability were expressed in terms of test thoroughness, latent failure probabilities, and false indication rate. Test quality was shown to have a highly significant effect on system reliability that becomes more critical with the number of redundant channels and system life.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1972
Accession Number
AD0903862

Entities

People

  • A. J. Bailey
  • C. L. Kuivanen
  • L. D. Edinger
  • R. C. Hendrick
  • R. F. Rasmussen

Organizations

  • Honeywell International, Inc.

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Configurations
  • Aerodynamic Control Surfaces
  • Airborne Warning And Control System
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircraft Industry
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Closed Loop Systems
  • Control Systems
  • Control Systems Engineering
  • Engineers
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Landing Gear
  • Swept Wings
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Equipment

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Robotics and Automation.
  • Systems Analysis and Design