Aircraft control using actuator current

Kurzfassung

From an actuation systems point of view, fly-by-wire aircraft are manoeuvred by controlling the position of the surfaces. In this paper, it is proposed to control the aircraft by the current through the electrical motors that move the surfaces. When friction is neglected, this variable can be transferred to a surface force. Using this force, it is possible to steer the aircraft. This paradigm change has several advantages, including natural gust load alleviation of structures and actuator, better exploitation of the actuator performance, avoidance of force-fight in redundant actuators, simplified actuator control and no need for stiff attachment points and actuators. These advantages can lead to lighter aircraft without adding extra cost. This in turn leads to more economical and environmental friendly aircraft. To validate the method, tests on a motion simulator as well as a CS-25 certified small aircraft (Cessna Citation 550) have been successfully carried out.