Aircraft Speed Brake Control for Multi-Level Descent Drag Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual deployment and retraction of drag devices on aircraft lead to inefficiencies, such as over-steeping and excessive thrust production during multi-level descents, as pilots must manually manage drag devices to control altitude and speed.
Innovation Solution
An autothrottle-autospeedbrake controller system that receives data signals for aircraft speed, altitude, and speed targets to automate the movement of drag devices between stowed and deployed positions, reducing pilot workload and optimizing drag control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual drag device deployment is used, then drag control capability is provided, but pilot workload increases and control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drag device control system operates autonomously by receiving inputs from the autopilot system and automatically adjusting drag device deployment without requiring pilot intervention. The system monitors flight parameters and independently controls drag devices to maintain desired flight conditions, effectively making the system self-sufficient in drag management tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The drag device control system integrates multiple functions including altitude maintenance, speed control, and energy management within a single automated system. By consolidating these functions, the system reduces the number of separate manual controls the pilot must manage, thereby reducing workload while maintaining comprehensive drag control capability.
2Reliability
If drag devices remain deployed too long, then drag control is maintained, but aircraft performance deteriorates due to excessive drag
Solution Approach 1:
The automated drag device control system continuously monitors flight parameters such as altitude, speed, and vertical rate of change. Based on this real-time feedback, the system dynamically adjusts drag device deployment to maintain precise control accuracy while preventing excessive drag that would degrade aircraft performance. The system retracts drag devices when no longer needed, optimizing the balance between control reliability and performance.
3Speed
If engine thrust is increased to overcome drag, then speed is maintained, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively manages drag device deployment in anticipation of upcoming maneuvers or flight phase changes. By pre-positioning drag devices before they are actually needed, the system avoids the need for abrupt thrust changes and maintains more efficient fuel consumption patterns while still achieving the desired speed control.
4Measurement precision
If manual drag device retraction is required at each clearing, then precise altitude control is achieved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines drag device control with the existing autopilot system, integrating altitude control, speed control, and drag device management into a unified control architecture. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual drag device operations at each altitude clearing, maintaining precise altitude control while reducing overall operational complexity by consolidating control functions.
Data Source
AI summary
Aircraft, auto speed brake control systems, and methods for controlling drag of an aircraft are provided. In one example, an aircraft includes an aircraft structure. A drag device is operatively coupled to the aircraft structure between a stowed and a deployed position and/or an intermediate deployed position. A speed brake controller is in communication with the drag device to control movement. An autothrottle-autospeedbrake controller is in communication with the speed brake controller and is configured to receive data signals. The autothrottle-autospeedbrake controller is operative to direct the speed brake controller to control movement of the drag device between the stowed position and the deployed position and/or the intermediate deployed position in response to at least one of the data signals.