NATO RTO-TR-029, RTO TECHNICAL REPORT 29, FLIGHT CONTROL DESIGN - BEST PRACTICES (DEC 2000)

NATO RTO-TR-029, RTO TECHNICAL REPORT 29, FLIGHT CONTROL DESIGN - BEST PRACTICES (DEC 2000)., The first part of the report begins with a review of some examples of flight control problems. They span the history of flight from the time when the practice of flying was preceding theoretical developments up to more recent time when it might be thought that flight control designers “should know better”. Much of the information is incomplete, but the chapter finishes with an example of a problem and the solution being published together. Then there is a chapter detailing lessons learned from various programs with positive results, which leads into a section detailing a series of recommended best practices. The best practices are laid out as a logical process with recommendations for avoiding the pitfalls that have led to problems in the past. It is NOT, however, a “cookbook” process that can be followed blindly. Using (good) engineering analysis and judgement, and following the defined process, will ensure a successful design. The second part of the report continues with some theoretical aspects. First, there is a discussion of flying qualities criteria, especially the US military specifications. This brief discussion covers the evolution of the specifications covering both good and bad points, together with the common misinterpretations. The current state of the art of “carefree handling” is presented, defined as flying qualities that allow pilot commanded maneuvering without adverse characteristics, such as departures, requiring the pilot’s attention. Then, there is a discussion of demonstration maneuvers as a flying qualities evaluation tool.