Hostname: page-component-848d4c4894-4hhp2 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-05-21T07:45:27.344Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Control and handling qualities considerations for an advanced supersonic transport aircraft

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

A. J. Steer
Affiliation:
Control and Simulation GroupFlight Management and Control DepartmentDERA Bedford, UK
M. V. Cook
Affiliation:
Flight Test and Dynamics GroupCollege of AeronauticsCranfield University, UK

Abstract

A future advanced supersonic transport aircraft (AST) has fundamental characteristics and problems inherent to supersonic cruise aircraft with corresponding unique control and handling characteristics.

In order to optimise the aerodynamic performance across the full flight envelope a fully integrated flight and propulsion control system will be required. However, this will need to be designed from the outset within clearly defined flight control and performance guidelines.

Relevant existing and AST specific handling qualities criteria will need to be developed if a successful commercial transport aircraft is to be produced.

This paper begins by presenting an overview of existing supersonic transport (SST) aircraft operations and current second generation SST research activities and design considerations. This is followed by an analysis of the principal aerodynamic, dynamic and control characteristics of SST and AST aircraft and their effect on the aircraft’s handling qualities. Finally, some possible solutions to the control and handling issues are investigated, assessed and presented.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1999 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Cook, M.V. Flight Dynamics Principles, Arnold, 1997.Google Scholar
2. Gibson, J.C. The definition, understanding and design of aircraft handling qualities, Report LR-756, T U Delft, Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, 1995.Google Scholar
3. Gautrey, J. FCS architecture analysis and design for a FBW generic regional aircraft, Co A Report 9604, Cranfield University, 1996.Google Scholar
4. McLean, D. Automatic Flight Control Systems, Prentice Hall, 1990.Google Scholar
5. Noot, N.A.L. Low speed performance aspects of foreplanes and tailplanes, Aerodynamics office, Commercial Aircraft Division, BAC, AERO/TN/NALN/PS/496, 1977.Google Scholar
6. Brockhaus, R. Handling Qualities of Hypersonic Aircraft and Related Control Requirements, Institute for Right Guidance, Technical University of Braunschweig, 1991.Google Scholar
7. Brailsford, E.N. Some General Considerations of Foreplanes and Tailplanes, Aerodynamics office, Commercial Aircraft Division, BAC, SST/B59-N-03.140/11434, 1976.Google Scholar
8. Scotland, R.L. Proposal to Employ a Canard Control to Improve the Handling Characteristics, Aerodynamics office, BAC, SST/59-N-04.141/11495, 1976.Google Scholar
9. Scotland, R.L. Proposal to Employ a Canard Control to Improve the Handling Characteristics, Aerodynamics office, BAC, SST/59-N-04.141/11495, 1976.Google Scholar
10. McCarty, C.A., Feather, J.B., Dykman, J.R. and Page, M.A. Design and analysis issues of integrated control systems for High Speed Civil Transports , NASA CR-186022, 1992.Google Scholar
11. Nicholas, O.P. et al, Handling Qualities Guidelines for the Design of Fly-By-Wire Flight Control Systems for Transport Aircraft, (GARTEUR), AGARDCP-508, 1991.Google Scholar