Post on 14-Apr-2017
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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
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● 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
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● 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
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● 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
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