Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-jn8rn Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-22T09:57:19.078Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

The design of fly-by-wire flight control systems

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

C. Fielding
C. Fielding*
Affiliation:
BAE SystemsWarton, UK
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

The design of an advanced flight control system (FCS) is a technically challenging task for which a range of engineering disciplines have to align their skills and efforts in order to achieve a successful system design. This paper presents an overview of some of the factors which need to be considered and is intended to serve as an introduction to this stimulating subject. Specific aspects covered are: flight dynamics and handling qualities, mechanical and fly-by-wire systems, control laws and air data systems, stores carriage, actuation systems, flight control computer implementation, flexible airframe dynamics, and ground and flight testing. The flight control system challenges and expected future developments are reviewed and a comprehensive set of references is provided for further reading.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 105 , Issue 1051 , September 2001 , pp. 543 - 549
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2001 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

References

1. Etkin, B. and Reid, L.D. Dynamics of Flight — Stability and Control, John Wiley & Son, 1996.Google Scholar
2. Stevens, B.L. and F.L., Lewis Aircraft Control and Simulation, John Wiley & Son, 1992.Google Scholar
3. Cook, M. V. Flight Dynamics Principles, John Wiley & Son, 1997.Google Scholar
4. Middleton, D.H. Avionic Systems, Longman Scientific and Technical, 1989.Google Scholar
5. Nelson, J.R. and Smith, T.D. Improved combat performance using relaxed static stability and a spin prevention system, AGARD CP-409, 1984.Google Scholar
6. McCuish, A. and Caldwell, B.D. Development and flight experience of the control laws and the aeroservoelastic solution in the Experimental Aircraft programme, Advances in Aircraft Flight Control, Taylor and Francis, 1996.Google Scholar
7. Kaul, H.J. EF2000 — the flight control system, IMechE Conference: EF2000 — Technology for the 21st century, 1996.Google Scholar
8. Gracey, W. Measurement of aircraft speed and altitude, NASA RP-1046, 1980.Google Scholar
9. McMichael, T. et al Aerodynamic technology — the role of aerodynamic technology in the design and development of modern combat aircraft, Aeronaut J, December 1996, 100, (1000), pp 411–424.Google Scholar
10. Store carriage, integration and release, Royal Aeronautical Society Proceedings, 1990.Google Scholar
11. Aerodynamics of store integration and separation, AGARD Conference Proceedings CP-570, 1996.Google Scholar
12. Raymond, E.T. and Chenoweth, C.C. Aircraft Flight Control Actuation System Design, SAE Book, 1993.Google Scholar
13. Gibson, J.C. Development of a Methodology for Excellence in Handling Qualities Design for Fly-by-Wire Aircraft, Delft University Press, 1999.Google Scholar
14. Flight vehicle integration panel workshop on pilot induced oscillations, AGARD AR-335, 1995.Google Scholar
15. Aviation Safety and Pilot Control — Understanding and Preventing Unfavourable Pilot-Vehicle Interactions, National Academy Press, 1997.Google Scholar
16. Gibson, J.C, Lodge, P.M. and Fielding, C. Development of handling qualities design criteria for STOVL aircraft, International Powered Lift Conference Proceedings, American Helicopter Society, November 2000.Google Scholar
17. Smith, T.D. Ground and Flight Testing of Digital Flight Control Systems in Flight Control Systems, IEE Control Engineering Series 57, TJ International, 2000.Google Scholar
18. Caldwell, B.D., Pratt, R.W., Taylor, R. and Felton, R.D. Aeroser-voelasticity, in Flight Control Systems, IEE Control Engineering Series 57, TJ International, 2000.Google Scholar
19. Ramsay, R.B. Flight flutter testing of combat aircraft, AGARD CP-556, 1995.Google Scholar
20. Shanks, G.T., Gale, S.L., Fielding, C. and Griffith, D.V. flight control and handling research with the VAAC Harrier aircraft, Advances in Aircraft Flight Control, Taylor and Francis, 1996.Google Scholar
21. Lodge, P.M. and Runham, S.I. The design and flight demonstration of an advanced flight control law in the VAAC Harrier, UK Powered Lift Conference, 1998.Google Scholar
22. Fielding, C. Design of integrated flight and powerplant control systems, AGARD CP-548, 1993.Google Scholar

Bibliography

1. McRuer, D. and Graham, D. Eighty years of flight control: triumphs and pitfalls of the systems approach, AIAA J Guidance and Control, July-August 1981, 4,(4).Google Scholar
2. Abzug, M.J. and Larrabee, E.E. Airplane Stability and Control — A History of the Technologies That Made Aviation Possible, Cambridge Aerospace Series, 1997.Google Scholar
3. Lloyd, E. and Tye, W. Systematic Safety (Safety Assessment of Aircraft Systems), Civil Aviation Authority, London, 1982.Google Scholar
4. Gibson, J.C. and Hess, R.A. Stick and feel system design, AGARD-AG-332, 1997.Google Scholar
5. Graham, D. and McRuer, D. Retrospective essay on nonlinearities in aircraft flight control, A1AA J Guidance, November-December 1991.Google Scholar
6. Droste, C.S. and Walker, J.E. The General Dynamics Case Study on the F-16 Fly-By-Wire Flight Control System, AIAA Professional Study Series, 1988.Google Scholar
7. Blakelock, J.H. Automatic Control of Aircraft and Missiles, John Wiley & Son, 1991.Google Scholar
8. Collinson, R.P.G. Introduction to Avionics, Chapman & Hall, 1996.Google Scholar
9. RTO Working Group 23, Flight control design — best practices, RTO Technical Report 29, December 2000.Google Scholar