The Impact of the F/A-18 Aircraft Digital Flight Control System and Displays on Flight Testing and Safety

Abstract

This paper overviews the development of the digital fly-by-wire Flight Control System (FCS) in the F/A-18 aircraft. A general description of the FCS and an overview of the significant changes that have been incorporated to improve handling qualities and to correct anomalies that were discovered during the Full Scale Development (FSD) program are presented. The interface of the FCS with the total avionics package of the F/A-18 via the 1553 multiplex bus and the impact of this interface on specific flight testing and FCS development is also highlighted. The impact of the flight control laws on high Angle of Attack (AOA) handling qualities, including a discussion of the changes that were made as a results of a spin accident in November 1980, is presented. Throughout the discussion, references to the specialized displays and controls that are implemented in the F/A-18 to assist the pilot and enhance flight testing and safety are discussed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1983
Accession Number
ADP002709

Entities

People

  • B. T. Kneeland
  • C. L. White
  • W. G. Mcnamara

Organizations

  • Naval Air Station Patuxent River

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Configurations
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Bandpass Filters
  • Control Panels
  • Control Surfaces
  • Control Systems
  • Dynamic Pressure
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Flight Control Systems
  • Flight Testing
  • Fuselages
  • Leading Edge Flaps
  • Leading Edges
  • Mach Number
  • Static Pressure
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Software Engineering