Importance

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Abstract

The control system includes a control member connected to a control centering device which resists operational control member movement and returns it to a neutral position upon release thereof. Force and position sensors connected to the control member determine operator force exerted thereon as well as the position thereof. Output from the sensors is transmitted to a computer which also receives data relating to position of aircraft controlled surfaces and aerodynamic forces acting on the aircraft as well as flight data, etc. The computer combines and compares that data with other data relating to frictional forces produced by movement of the mechanical control system and data relating to desired control member resistive forces under predetermined operational conditions. The computer thereby determines the magnitude of the control member resistive forces required to produce the desired tactile feel and provides an output based thereon to an actuator which applies these forces to the control member. When in automatic pilot mode, the computer provides an output to the actuator to move the control member to a position representing the command output that the computer provides to the controlled surfaces to control the position thereof.

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First Claim