The Automatic Control of an Aeroplane in the Landing Approach onto an Aircraft Carrier

Abstract

SummaryAn investigation is made into the possibility of the completely automatic longitudinal control of an aircraft in the deck landing approach. The method presupposes the existence of a radio beam system transmitted from the carrier and a study is made of the motion of the aircraft down this beam under automatic control.The longitudinal motion alone of the aircraft and carrier is considered. The motion of the carrier is assumed to consist of a steady forward velocity modified by a non-pitching sinusoidal oscillation in the vertical plane.The most successful method of approach control proposed is based on the use of a single beam emanating from a source at a fixed distance above the carrier deck and fixed in direction. The preliminary pilot-controlled approach is assumed to be down the mean position of the beam, and the auto-control requires, over and above certain ideal variations of elevator angle and thrust, additional types of control of the following forms. On the elevator, displacement pitch and displacement track error control; and on the thrust, displacement track error control.Information is also forthcoming regarding the unsuitability of certain other types of control which at first sight seem promising.