Control-system techniques for improved departure/spin resistance for fighter aircraft

Abstract

This paper summarizes some fundamental information on control-system effects on controllability of highly maneuverable aircraft at high angles of attack and techniques for enhancing fighter aircraft departure/spin resistance using control-system design. The discussion includes (1) a brief review of pertinent high-angle-of-attack phenomena including aerodynamics, inertia coupling, and kinematic coupling, (2) effects of conventional stability augmentation systems at high angle of attack, (3) high-angle-of-attack control-system concepts designed to enhance departure/spin resistance, and (4) the outlook for applications of these concepts to future fighters, particularly those designs which incorporate relaxed static stability.