Design and Piloted Simulation of a Robust Integrated Flight and Propulsion Controller

Abstract

A robust integrated e ight and propulsion controller is designed for an experimental short takeoff and vertical landing aircraftcone guration,using themethod of 1 loop-shaping. Theaircraftmodelused in thestudy isbased on the Harrier airframe with the Pegasus engine replaced by a thermodynamic simulation of a Rolls-Royce Spey power plant, to allow the incorporation of advanced engine control concepts. The controller follows a two-inceptor strategy to command e ight-path angle rate and velocity along the e ight path, whilesimultaneously keeping several airframeandenginevariableswithinspecie edsafetylimits.Thecentralizedintegratede ightandpropulsioncontrol system is evaluated in piloted simulation trials. Results indicate that level 1 or 2 e ying qualities are achieved over the low-speed powered lift region of the e ight envelope.