Active controls for Flight and Simulation

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© Stirling Dynamics 2016

Mark Cook

CEO – Stirling Dynamics Ltd, UK

Singapore Airshow 2016, Stand B97

Active Controls for Flight and Simulation

February 18th 2016


● Background and definition of active controls

● Their current use and benefits in platform control and simulation applications

● R&D projects

● Summary

Synopsis

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● Active controls are those items that a pilot interacts with to control a moving platform e.g. sticks, throttles, pedals

● Active controls uses mechatronics technology to provide tactile feedback to the pilot on the behaviour and performance of the platform that is being controlled – the “feel” so important to pilots

● Active controls electronically link pilot/co-pilot controls to prevent conflicting demands to be applied to control surfaces

Definitions

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F-35 JSF Stick and Throttle

UH-60 Black Hawk Pedals

UH-60 Black Hawk Cyclic


● Flight controls evolution o Direct connection from pilot controls to surfaces via

cables & rods

o Hydraulic augmentation

o Introduction of analogue electronics

o Digital electronics and software − allowing integration with other aircraft systems

− plus more sophisticated control features

● Initially aerospace, but now relevant to marine, land and space platforms - in fact any platform that requires precision control with feedback characteristics

Background

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Wright Flyer controls

Tornado

Joint Strike Fighter


● Weight saving compared to mechanical systems

● Automatically adjusted feel/force/dynamic characteristics based on the manoeuvre being performed and position in the flight envelope

● Consistent and predictable feedback

● Electronically linked pilot/co-pilot controls o Each input can be seen and felt by the other o Prevents opposing control inputs from cancelling each other

out

● Back driven controls indicate to the pilot what actions the autopilot is performing

● Ability to integrate with other aircraft systems to support complex operations

● Applicable to platforms and simulation systems o The main additions for flight-worthy platform systems are

multiple-redundant architectures and aircraft communication interfaces

Features and Benefits of Active Controls

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● Reconfigurable to represent different aircraft types o Change configuration files and grips

● Replicate varying aircraft characteristics, including failure modes and emergency conditions to test the pilot in extreme conditions

● Range of cueing effects can support human factors trials

● Linked controls allows instructor to perform (or adjust) a manoeuvre while student feels the motion through the control device

● Also used during aircraft development to evaluate and tune the end-to-end flight control system

Training and Simulation

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● FASC - Full Authority Submarine Control

● ALICIA - All Condition Operations and Innovative Cockpit Infrastructure

● ACROSS – Advanced Cockpit for Reduction of Stress and Workload

Stirling R&D Projects

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● Project Objective – To develop the next generation of submarine steering and diving control

● A single user interface that combines o Active side stick control technology o Integrated steering, diving, hover, trim and

ballast control

● Includes increased tactile cues through the side stick controller e.g. to indicate safety manoeuvring envelope

● Benefits o Reduced operator workload and errors o Reduced training burden as easier to learn o Operator roles can be combined to save on

manpower costs o Space and weight savings

FASC - Full Authority Submarine Control

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● Project Objective - To develop future cockpit concepts

● Based on the principle that accidents are more likely to occur when the workload in the cockpit is high

● Review of which operations can be performed through side sticks (linked & unlinked)

● Addition of extra tactile cues to the side stick (e.g. shaker, gates, stops)

● Integration of active controls into the Agusta Westland's rotary wing simulator for simulation trials

● Conclusion: Control of the aircraft achieved in a safe, collaborative and intuitive way – with reduced workload

ALICIA - All Condition Operations and Innovative Cockpit Infrastructure

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ACROSS – Advanced Cockpit for Reduction of Stress and Workload

● Project Objective - To reduce pilot workload and stress in the cockpit

● By the following means o Automating the tasks of controlling and flying the aircraft

o Increasing crew efficiency and reducing workload and stress with innovative cockpit technologies

o Providing automatic response to unplanned events

● Stirling developed a prototype Smart Grip Active Side Stick, including sensors to measure pilot performance and stress levels: o heart rate

o palm sweat

o “hands-on” detection

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● Active controls can significantly enhance the capability of flight control and simulation systems for aerospace, marine and land environments

● Continuing miniaturisation will allow active controls to be applied to more platforms

● The additional safety features, such as linked controls, can prevent catastrophic conflicting interaction between pilot and co-pilot

● Addition of in-built sensors will further increase the sophistication of control actions and increase safety

● Safety concerns may force regulatory bodies such as EASA and FAA to mandate active controls for civil aircraft

● Stirling Dynamics are world leaders in the design and production of active control products and have a deep understanding of aircraft and submarine dynamics

● Come and see us at Booth B97 for more detailed information

Summary

Active controls for Flight and Simulation

Engineering

Transcript of Active controls for Flight and Simulation