Multi-Axis Upset Recovery Control for Unusual Aircraft Attitudes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft systems lack the capability to reliably recover from unusual attitudes and upsets, particularly in high workload situations, leading to potential loss of control in-flight accidents due to pilot error or system anomalies.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis upset recovery system utilizing a processing circuit with control algorithms for pitch, roll, and yaw axes, along with pitch trim and thrust/drag control, to automatically recover the aircraft from unusual attitudes by implementing state-based machine logic and adjusting control surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automation is increased to reduce pilot workload, then safety and productivity improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upset recovery system is divided into separate functional modules: detection module that monitors pitch and roll parameters, determination module that identifies upset conditions, and recovery module that executes correction maneuvers. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability while keeping the overall system manageable in complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-defines upset conditions based on established parameters (pitch attitude >25° nose up, >10° nose down, bank angle >45°) and pre-programmes appropriate recovery maneuvers for each condition. This preliminary preparation enables rapid automated response without requiring complex real-time decision-making, enhancing safety while maintaining reasonable system complexity
2Ease of operation
If automated recovery systems are implemented, then pilot workload decreases, but the system may respond incorrectly to unusual attitudes
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors aircraft attitude parameters (pitch and roll angles) and compares them against defined upset thresholds. This feedback mechanism ensures the system accurately detects actual upset conditions and can verify when recovery has been achieved, preventing incorrect responses while reducing pilot workload through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses clearly defined parameter thresholds (pitch >25° or <-10°, roll >45°) to objectively determine upset conditions. By basing automation decisions on explicit parameter changes rather than subjective pilot judgment, the system achieves reliable response accuracy while automating the recovery process to reduce pilot workload
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-axis control is implemented for comprehensive upset recovery, then recovery capability improves, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines pitch and roll axis control into a unified upset recovery system that manages multiple upset conditions simultaneously. By merging the detection, determination, and recovery functions for both axes into a single integrated system with coordinated control, the patent achieves comprehensive multi-axis recovery capability while avoiding the complexity of separate independent systems
Data Source
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.