Initial Flight Test of the Production Support Flight Control Computers at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center
Initial Flight Test of the Production Support Flight Control Computers at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center

Author: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2018-06-15

Total Pages: 34

ISBN-13: 9781721185177

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The NASA Dryden Flight Research Center has completed the initial flight test of a modified set of F/A-18 flight control computers that gives the aircraft a research control law capability. The production support flight control computers (PSFCC) provide an increased capability for flight research in the control law, handling qualities, and flight systems areas. The PSFCC feature a research flight control processor that is "piggybacked" onto the baseline F/A-18 flight control system. This research processor allows for pilot selection of research control law operation in flight. To validate flight operation, a replication of a standard F/A-18 control law was programmed into the research processor and flight-tested over a limited envelope. This paper provides a brief description of the system, summarizes the initial flight test of the PSFCC, and describes future experiments for the PSFCC. Carter, John and Stephenson, Mark Armstrong Flight Research Center NASA/TM-1999-206581, H-2343, NAS 1.15:206581, AIAA Paper 99-4203

Flight Test Results from the NF-15B Intelligent Flight Control System (IFCS) Project with Adaptation to a Simulated Stabilator Failure
Flight Test Results from the NF-15B Intelligent Flight Control System (IFCS) Project with Adaptation to a Simulated Stabilator Failure

Author: National Aeronaut Administration (Nasa)

Publisher:

Published: 2020-08-05

Total Pages: 36

ISBN-13:

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Adaptive flight control systems have the potential to be more resilient to extreme changes in airplane behavior. Extreme changes could be a result of a system failure or of damage to the airplane. A direct adaptive neural-network-based flight control system was developed for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration NF-15B Intelligent Flight Control System airplane and subjected to an inflight simulation of a failed (frozen) (unmovable) stabilator. Formation flight handling qualities evaluations were performed with and without neural network adaptation. The results of these flight tests are presented. Comparison with simulation predictions and analysis of the performance of the adaptation system are discussed. The performance of the adaptation system is assessed in terms of its ability to decouple the roll and pitch response and reestablish good onboard model tracking. Flight evaluation with the simulated stabilator failure and adaptation engaged showed that there was generally improvement in the pitch response; however, a tendency for roll pilot-induced oscillation was experienced. A detailed discussion of the cause of the mixed results is presented. Bosworth, John T. and Williams-Hayes, Peggy S. Armstrong Flight Research Center NASA/TM-2007-214629, H-2751, AIAA-2007-2818 ADAPTIVE CONTROL; FLIGHT CONTROL; NEURAL NETS; FORMATION FLYING; AIRCRAFT STABILITY; STABILITY TESTS; ADAPTATION; ROLL; SYSTEM FAILURES; FLIGHT SIMULATION; STABILIZERS; FLIGHT TEST VEHICLES

Flight Test Experience and Controlled Impact of a Remotely Piloted Jet Transport Aircraft
Flight Test Experience and Controlled Impact of a Remotely Piloted Jet Transport Aircraft

Author: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2018-07-03

Total Pages: 44

ISBN-13: 9781722240912

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The Dryden Flight Research Center Facility of NASA Ames Research Center (Ames-Dryden) and the FAA conducted the controlled impact demonstration (CID) program using a large, four-engine, remotely piloted jet transport airplane. Closed-loop primary flight was controlled through the existing onboard PB-20D autopilot which had been modified for the CID program. Uplink commands were sent from a ground-based cockpit and digital computer in conjunction with an up-down telemetry link. These uplink commands were received aboard the airplane and transferred through uplink interface systems to the modified PB-20D autopilot. Both proportional and discrete commands were produced by the ground system. Prior to flight tests, extensive simulation was conducted during the development of ground-based digital control laws. The control laws included primary control, secondary control, and racetrack and final approach guidance. Extensive ground checks were performed on all remotely piloted systems; however, piloted flight tests were the primary method and validation of control law concepts developed from simulation. The design, development, and flight testing of control laws and systems required to accomplish the remotely piloted mission are discussed. Horton, Timothy W. and Kempel, Robert W. Armstrong Flight Research Center RTOP 505-44-24...