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Abstract

A control apparatus for use in a fly-by-wire flight control system. The apparatus comprises a support structure, a tube (22) mounted to the support structure for rotation about the tube lengthwise axis, at least two joysticks (18, 20) mounted to the tube, a coupling bar (24) and sensors (14, 16). Each joystick has a first end (30) adapted for gripping by an operator, a second end pivotally connected to the coupling member, and an intermediate portion (64) pivotally mounted to the tube such that the joystick is rotatable about a transverse axis (40) fixed in the tube and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis, the transverse axes of the joysticks being parallel to one another. The sensors include a two axis photodetector (44) and light emitting diodes (46) for directing a beam of radiation to a point on the photodetector. The sensor is adapted to vary the position of the point along a first axis of the photodetector as the joysticks are rotated about the lengthwise axis, and to vary the position of the point along a second axis of the photodetector as the joysticks are rotated about the transverse axes.

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First Claim