Multi-Axis Aircraft Upset Recovery Using Autonomous Maneuvers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft control systems struggle to effectively recover from unusual attitudes, particularly during pitch and roll upsets, which can lead to loss of control in-flight accidents due to pilot errors or system anomalies.
Innovation Solution
A processing circuit and associated control algorithms that automatically recover an aircraft from pitch high, pitch low, and roll high upsets by executing specific maneuvers such as unloading the aircraft, rolling to a select angle, adjusting throttle and speed brakes, and stabilizing the aircraft to a level flight condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated upset recovery systems are implemented, then pilot workload is reduced and recovery consistency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upset recovery system automatically detects unusual attitudes and executes recovery maneuvers without pilot intervention. The system monitors pitch and roll angles, identifies upset conditions, and autonomously commands control surfaces to recover the aircraft, making the system self-sufficient in handling emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors aircraft attitude parameters (pitch angle θ, roll angle φ) and uses this feedback to determine when upsets occur and when recovery is complete. The feedback loop ensures the system responds appropriately to changing flight conditions and confirms recovery to stabilized flight.
2Reliability
If multi-axis recovery maneuvers are executed, then recovery effectiveness from combined upsets is improved, but control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery process is divided into distinct phases: detection of upset condition, execution of unloading maneuver, recovery to level flight, and confirmation of stabilized condition. Each phase has specific control actions and termination criteria, making the complex multi-axis recovery manageable and precise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts its control commands based on the current flight state and upset severity. Control surface deflections and maneuver rates are dynamically adjusted according to the aircraft's response, allowing effective recovery from various combined pitch and roll upset conditions while maintaining control precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
Autonomous systems increase the robustness and safety of current aircraft and to support simplified vehicle, reduced crew, and single pilot operations. The autonomous systems aid air crews in their handling of non-normal, high workload, aircraft upset scenarios. The upset scenarios include the recovery from attitudes outside of the normal operating envelope that even the most robust automatic flight control systems currently in service today do not support.