AE8402

Aircraft systems and

Instrumentation
 SYLLABUS

UNIT 1

AIRPLANE CONTROL SYSTEMS 10

Conventional Systems –
Fully powered flight controls –
Power actuated systems –
Modern control systems –
Digital fly by wire systems –
Auto pilot system active control Technology,
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
Flying controls are hinged or movable airfoils designed to change the
attitude of the aircraft during flight.

PURPOSE
1.TO ENABLE THE PILOT TO EXERCISE CONTROL OVER THE
AIRCRAFT DURING ALL PORTIONS OF FLIGHT.
2.IT ALLOWS TO MANOEUVRES IN PITCH,ROLL AND YAW.

These can be divided in to 3 groups such as:

(a) PRIMARY CONTROLS
(b) SECONDARY CONTROLS
(c) AUXILARY CONTROLS
PRIMARY FLIGHT CONTROL SRUFACES
Ailerons, Elevators and Rudder are the primary controls. These
controls are used to maneuver the aircraft about its 3 axes.
1. ELEVATOR
2. AILERON
3. RUDDER
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
SECONDARY FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS:
Flaps, Spoilers, Slats or Leading edge flaps come under this category.
Flaps and slats are the lift augmenting device.
Spoiler again grouped as Ground spoiler and Flight spoiler.
Ground spoiler extended only after the aircraft lands thereby assisting in
braking action. The flight spoiler assists in lateral control by extending
whenever aileron on the wing is moved up
⮚ FLAPS
⮚ SLATS
⮚ SPOILERS
⮚ SPEED BRAKES

AUXILLARY FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS:

Tabs come under this category. Tabs are the small airfoils
attached to the trailing edges of primary control surfaces.
Its purpose is to enable the pilot to trim out any unbalanced
condition which may exist during flight.
 FLIGHT CONTROL
SYSTEMS

COMBINATION FLYING CONTROLS :

STABILATOR:
It combines the function of
a horizontal stabilizer and an
elevator. Stabilator normally
equipped with an anti-servo tab,
which doubles as a trim tab. The
anti-servo moves in the same
direction that the control surface is
moved to aid the pilot in returning
the stabilator to the trimmed
neutral position.
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS

COMBINATION FLYING CONTROLS :

RUDDERVATORS:
These flying control surfaces serve the function of the
rudder and elevators. The surfaces are mounted at an angle above
horizontal.
When serving as elevators, the surfaces on each side of
the tail move in the same direction, either up or down.
When serving as rudder, the surfaces move in opposite
direction, one up and one down.
When combined rudder and elevator control movements
are made, a control-mixing mechanism moves each surface the
appropriate amount to get the desired elevator and rudder effect.
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS

COMBINATION FLYING CONTROLS :

RUDDERVATORS:
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS

COMBINATION FLYING CONTROLS :

FLAPERONS:
These are the surfaces combine the operation of flaps and
ailerons.
These types of control surfaces are found on some aircraft
designed to operate from short runways.
The flaperon allows the area of the wing normally reserved
for aileron to be lowered and creates a full span flap.
From the lowered position the flaperon can move up or
down to provide the desired amount of roll control while still
contributing to the overall lift of the wing.
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS

COMBINATION FLYING CONTROLS :

FLAPERONS:
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS

COMBINATION FLYING CONTROLS :

ELEVONS:
Elevons are aircraft control surfaces that combine the
functions of the elevator (used for pitch control) and the aileron
(used for roll control).
It is found on Delta wing aircraft. On this type of aircraft
the wings are enlarged and extend to the back of the plane.
There is no separate horizontal stabilizer where you would
find the elevators on conventional straight-wing aircraft.
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS

COMBINATION FLYING CONTROLS :

ELEVONS:
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS

TABS:

• TABS are small secondary flight control surfaces set into the
trailing edges of the primary surfaces.

• These are used to reduce the work load required of the pilot to
hold the aircraft in some constant attitude by “loading” the control
surface in a position to maintain the desired attitude.

• It may also used to aid the pilot in returning a control surface to

neutral or trimmed-center position.

• It controls the balance of an aircraft to maintain straight and level

flight without pressure on CONTROL COLUMN or rudder pedal.

• Movement of the tab in one direction causes a deflection of the

c/surface in the opposite direction
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS

TABS:
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS

TYPES OF TABS:

FIXED TRIM TAB

ADJUSTABLE TRIM TABS
BALANCE TAB
ANTI-SERVO TABS
SERVO TAB
SPRING TABS
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
TYPES OF TABS:

FIXED TRIM TAB:

A fixed trim tab is normally a piece of sheet metal attached

to the trailing edge of a control surface.
This fixed tab is adjusted on the ground by bending it to
appropriated direction.
Adjustment is only trial and error method and the aircraft
must be flown and the trim tab adjusted based on the pilot’s
report.
Found on light aircraft and are used to adjust rudders and
ailerons.
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
TYPES OF TABS:

ADJUSTABLE TRIM TABS :

These tabs are controlled from cockpit to alter the camber

of the surface and create an aerodynamic force that will hold the
control surface deflected.
Movement of the tab in one direction causes deflection of
control surface in opposite direction.
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
TYPES OF TABS:

BALANCE TABS:

To decrease the very high control forces the balance tabs

are used. In this arrangement, when the control surface is moved,
the tab moves in the opposite direction. Thus the aerodynamic
force acting on the tab assists to move the main control surface. .
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
TYPES OF TABS:

ANTI-SERVO TABS:

All moving tail plane (horizontal stabilizer) do not have a

fixed stabilizer in front of them, and the location of their pivot
point makes them extremely sensitive.

To decrease this sensitivity, an anti-servo tab may be

installed on the trailing edge.

• This tab works in the same manner as the balance tab except it
moves in the same direction(balance tab moves in opp to
c/surface)

• The fixed end of the linkage is on the opp side of the surface
from the horn on the tab, and when the trailing edge of the
stabilator moves down the tab also moves down.
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
TYPES OF TABS:

ANTI-SERVO TABS:
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
TYPES OF TABS:

SERVO TABS:

In large aircrafts the control surfaces are operated by

power operated hydraulic actuators controlled by valves moved
by control yoke and rudder pedals.

In the event of hydraulic system failure, the control

surfaces are controlled by servo tabs in a process known as
manual reversion.

In the manual mode the flight control column moves the

tab on the c/surface and the aerodynamic forces caused by the
deflected tab moves the main control surface.
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
TYPES OF TABS:

SPRING TABS:

A small auxiliary tab fixed at the trailing edge of a primary

control surface on high speed airplane.

The control surface is attached to the control horn through

a torsion rod. Under normal flight loads, the spring tab remains
fixed to the control surface and serves no purpose.

But, when the air loads are high and a large amount of
force is needed to move the control surface, the torsion rod twists,
and the control rod moves the spring tab in a opposite to that of
the surface on which it is mounted.

It acts as a servo tab and aids the pilot in moving the

control surface.
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
METHODS:

1. PUSH-PULL CONTROL ROD SYSTEM

2. CABLE AND PULLY SYSTEM

FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM COMPONENTS OR COMPONENTS OF

MECHANICAL LIKAGES FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM:

1. CABLES
2. PULLEYS
3. TURNBUCKLES
4. PUSH PULL RODS
5. BELL CRANKS
6. QUANDRANTS.
7. TORQUE TUBES
8. CABLE GURARDS
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
COMPONENTS OF MECHANICAL LINKAGES

1. PUSH PULL ROD:

• Many airplanes and almost all helicopter use push pull rods rather
than control cables for control system.
• Made of heat treated aluminum alloy tubing with threaded ends
riveted to its ends.
• End fittings which have a drilled hole are screwed on to these
threads and to be sure that the rod ends are screwed far enough
in to fitting a safety wire when inserted in to the hole it should not
pass through the fittings.
• A check nut is screwed on to the rod end and when the length of
the push pull rod is adjusted the nut to be screwed up tight
against the end fitting.
• Push pull rods are extensively used along with bell cranks to
change direction and to gain or decrease the mechanical
advantage of control movement.
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
PUSH PULL ROD:
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
PUSH PULL ROD:
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
TORQUE TUBE:

Torque tube is a hollow shaft by which the linear motion of

cable or push pull rod is changed to rotary motion.
A torque arm or horn is attached to the tube by welding or
bolting and imparts motion to the tube as the arm is moved back
and forth.
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
BELL CRANK:

It is used to transmit force and permit a change in direction of force.

Normally a push pull rod is used with bell crank lever.
 FLIGHT CONTROL
SYSTEMS
QUADRANT :

• A quadrant serves the same

purpose as a wheel.
• It moves through a small arc
(as much as 100 deg).
• Often employed at the base of
a control column or control stick to
impart force and motion to a
cable system.

FAIRLEADS

• It serves as a guide to prevent

wear and vibration of a cable.
• Made of phenolic material,
fiber, plastic or soft aluminum.
• It is of either split or slotted to
install a cable.
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
TYPES OF FLAPS:

BLOWN FLAPS
KRUEGER FLAP
PLAIN FLAP
SPLIT FLAP
FOWLER FLAP
SLOTTED FLAP
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
TYPES OF FLAPS:

BLOWN FLAPS:
Systems that blow engine air over the upper surface of the flap at certain
angles to improve lift characteristics.
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
TYPES OF FLAPS:

KRUEGER FLAP :

It is hinged flap on the leading edge and is often called a "droop."

 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
TYPES OF FLAPS:

PLAIN FLAP: It is attached to the trailing of main plane and rotates on a

simple hinge.
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
TYPES OF FLAPS:

SPLIT FLAP: It is hinged at the bottom part of the wing near the trailing edge.
The lower surface operates like a plain flap, but the upper surface stays
immobile or moves only slightly.
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
TYPES OF FLAPS:

FOWLER FLAP: It slides backwards on tracks before hinging downwards,

thereby increasing both camber and chord, creating a larger wing surface
better tuned for lower speeds. It also provides some slot effect. The
Fowler flap was invented by Harlan D. Fowler.
 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
TYPES OF FLAPS:

SLOTTED FLAP: A slot (or gap) between the flap and the wing enables high
pressure air from below the wing to re-energize the boundary layer over
the flap. This helps the airflow to stay attached to the flap, delaying the
stall.
 FLY BY WIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS

IT IS ONE IN WHICH WIRE CARRYING

ELECTRICAL SIGNALS FROM THE FLIGHT
CONTROLS BY REPLACING MECHANICAL
LINKAGES.

TYPES OR THE WAYS OF USING FBW:

• ANALOG FBW
• DIGITAL FBW
 FLY BY WIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS
ANALOG FBW:

In analog fly by wire system operation, movements of the control

column and rudder pedals, and the forces exerted by the pilot, are
measured by electrical transducers, and the signals produced are then
amplified and relayed to operate the hydraulic actuator units which are
directly connected to the flight controls surfaces.

The fly by wire control employed in the Boeing 767 (spoiler) as illustrated in
the figure is appended in the next slide:

The main components involved in this system are as follows:

1. POSITION TRANSDUCER (RVDT)

2. SIGNAL CONTROL MODULE
3. LINEAR VARIABLE DIFFERENTIAL TRANSFORMER (LVDT)
4. POWERED FLYING CONTROL UNIT (PFSCU)
FLY BY WIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS
 FLY BY WIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS
DIGITAL FBW:

• A digital FBW system is similar to its analogue counterpart. However

the signaling processing is done by digital computers.
• The pilot can literally say “fly-via-computer”. This increases flexibility
as the digital computers can receive input from any aircraft sensor.
• It also increases stability, because the system is less dependent on
the values of critical electrical components as in analogue controller.
 FLY BY WIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANALOG AND DIGITAL FBW

SL. ANALOGUE FBW DIGITAL FBW

NO.
01 The FBW eliminates the This increases flexibility as the digital
complexity, fragility and computers can receive input from any
weight of the mechanical aircraft sensor. It also increases
circuit of the hydromechanical electronic stability, because the system
flight control systems and is less dependent on the values of
replaces it with an electrical critical electrical components in an
circuit. analog controller.

02 The hydraulic circuits are The computers "read" position and force
similar except that mechanical inputs from the pilot's controls and
servo valves are replaced with aircraft sensors. They solve
electrically-controlled servo differential equations to determine the
valves, operated by the appropriate command signals that move
electronic controller. This is the flight controls in order to carry out
the simplest and earliest the intentions of the pilot.
configuration of an analog fly-
by-wire flight control system,
 FLY BY WIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANALOG AND DIGITAL FBW
SL. ANALOGUE FBW DIGITAL FBW
NO.
03 In this configuration, the flight The programming of the digital
control systems must simulate computers enable
"feel". The electronic controller flight envelope protectionThe
controls electrical feel devices programming of the digital computers
that provide the appropriate "feel" enable flight envelope protection. In this
forces on the manual controls. aircraft designers precisely tailor an
aircraft's handling characteristics, to
stay within the overall limits of what is
possible given the aerodynamics and
structure of the aircraft. Software can
also be used to filter control inputs to
avoid pilot-induced oscillation.
04 In more sophisticated versions, Side-sticksSide-sticks, center sticks
analog computersIn more Side-sticks, center sticks, or
sophisticated versions, analog conventional control yokes can be used
computers replaced the electronic to fly such an aircraft. While the side-
controller. Analog computers also stick offers the advantages of being
allowed some customization of lighter, mechanically simpler, and
flight control characteristics, unobtrusive,
 FLY BY WIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANALOG AND DIGITAL FBW

SL. ANALOGUE FBW DIGITAL FBW

NO.
-----------------------
05 As the computers continuously "fly" the aircraft,
pilot workload can be reduced. It is now
possible to fly aircraft that have relaxed stability
. The primary benefit for military aircraft is more
manoeuvrable flight performance and so-called
"carefree handling" Digital flight control
systems enable
--------------------------
06 Improves combat survivability because it avoids
hydraulic failure. With a fly-by-wire system,
wires can be more flexibly routed, are easier to
protect and less susceptible to damage than
hydraulic lines.
07 Digital fly-by-wire systems is reliability, even
more so than for analog systems.
 FLY BY WIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS

ADVANTAGES:

1. WEIGHT SAVING
2. REDUCED MAINTENANCE TIMES
3. LESS SPACE
4. IMPROVED HANDLING
5. Fuel saving:
6. Automatic maneuver envelope protection
7. Gust load alleviation (lessening)
ADVANTAGES OF FBW:
1. WEIGHT SAVING
2. REDUCED MAINTENANCE TIMES
3. LESS SPACE
4. IMPROVED HANDLING
AUTOPILOT SYSTEM ACTIVE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY:

AUTOPILOT IS A SYSTEM OF AUTOMATIC CONTROLS

WHICH HOLDS THE ARICRAFT
ON ANY SELECTED MAGNETIC HEADING AND
RETURNS THE
ARICRAFT TO THAT HEADING WHEN IT IS
DISPLACED FROM IT.

PURPOSE:
TO REDUCE THE WROK STRAIN AND FATIQUE OF
CONTROLLING THE AIRCRAFT IN FLIGHT BY THE PILOT.
COMPONENTS:
1. GYROS (TO SENSE WHAT
AIRPLANE IS DOING)
2. SERVOS (TO MOVE CONTROL
SURFACES)
3. AMPLIFIER (TO INCREASE THE
STRENGTH OF
GYRO SIGNALS TO OPERATE
SERVOS)

THREE CHANNELS.
1. RUDDER CHANNELS
2. AILERON CHANNES.
3. ELEVATOR CHANNELS