Experimental flight control function for electronic flight control system of high aspect ratio light utility aircraft

Abstract

Aircraft technology demonstrator is an aircraft which is used for experimental and demonstration purpose. This type of aircraft has a unique capability, i.e. demonstrating the experimental or newly developed system. The consequence is the aircraft not only has to be able to ensure its own safety like a normal aircraft, but also needs to be capable to return the aircraft to safety in case of the experimental system. This article presents a design for Electronic Flight Control System to safely execute experimental Flight Control Laws in flight test. The purpose of this research is to provide a relatively safe way to test newly developed Flight Control Laws in experimental flight. This research uses linear models of the Light Surveillance Aircraft, which have been developed in LAPAN Indonesia since 2014. The simulations that have been done indicate that the Experimental System is able to execute the experimental commands and reduce accidental risk by giving a relatively safer signal whenever the aircraft is going into potentially dangerous maneuver.