Stability and Control Analysis of V/STOL Type B Aircraft.
Abstract
This report applies the tools of modern multivariable control systems analysis to an aircraft representative of a Type B V/STOL aircraft. Specifically, the AV-8A Harrier is analyzed in the low-speed, transition and hover flight regimes. New techniques for digital command augmentation system design, especially suited to precise control of a V/STOL aircraft, are developed and applied at representative flight conditions. The stability results indicate that a prime determinant of longitudinal stability in the transition and nozzle-borne flight regimes is nozzle angle; this result has an effect on the choice of trajectories to minimize aircraft stability problems. The lateral-directional stability is primarily a function of forward speed and angle of attack, with the worst case being high angle of attack, low-speed flight. To some extent, flight conditions which minimize lateral-directional stability problems accentuate longitudinal difficulties. A second major section of this report develops the theory of command-generator tracking (CGT), a very powerful control system design method.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA087734
Entities
People
- John R. Broussard
- Paul W. Berry
- Sol W. Gully
Organizations
- TASC, Inc