Air Vehicle Management with Integrated Thrust-Vector Control

Abstract

Vectored thrust is a powerful flow control technology that has long been used in rockets, launch vehicles, and other space systems. The technology has been more recently applied to atmospheric flight in conjunction with airbreathing propulsion systems. When fully integrated with other aerodynamic controls, vectored thrust has been shown to enable air vehicle management under unconventional flight conditions ranging from vertical takeoff or landing to agile maneuvering flight well beyond the aerodynamic stall boundary, the latter enabling close-in air-combat advantage. Capabilities demonstrated in several previously developed high-performance thrust-vectored experimental aircraft are reviewed and explored to illustrate the value and versatility of integrated thrust-vector (ITV) control technology. These capabilities include enhanced control authority at low airspeeds; deep, poststall maneuverability; tailless flight in both subsonic and supersonic flight regimes; extremely short takeoff and landing capability; as well as other benefits that can accrue from ITV implementation. Applications of this technology to contemporary aircraft are also discussed, and ITV nozzle concepts intended for use in conjunction with gas-turbine engines, including both mechanical and fluidic approaches, are briefly reviewed. A vision and rationale for incorporating ITV control on future civil and commercial aircraft designs are discussed, as are the likely areas of research needed for realization of the full potential of the ITV concept.