Navy Digital Flight Control System Development.
Abstract:
A 12-month engineering study was conducted to define a digital flight control system capable of performing pilot-assist augmentation and pilot-relief autopilot functions. Basic control laws were synthesized and analyzed to satisfy current and projected requirements for high-performance naval aircraft. Software analysis procedures were applied to determine sample rates, word lengths, and memory capacity. A redundancy and monitoring approach was identified to further assess computer characteristics. Implementation options in areas of processor structure, inputoutput, and instruction repertoire were resolved. Representative portions of the overall flight control system were programmed on a small airborne computer HDC-201 and verified by open- and closed-loop testing in conjunction with an analog simulation of the aircraft. A partial system specification was prepared reflecting overall study results. Modified author abstract