In this presentation, Stirling Dynamics discusses the uses and benefits of active controls for aerospace applications. The presentation covers the background of active controls, their current use and Stirling’s view on how active controls could be used in the future to enhance the flight simulation experience and to improve aircraft safety. Stirling has been at the forefront of the active controls since the early 1990s and is well positioned to lead the discussion on the future potential of the technology.

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Innovation and engineering excellence
Aerospace
Marine
Energy
© Stirling Dynamics 2016
Mark Cook
CEO – Stirling Dynamics Ltd, UK
Singapore Airshow 2016, Stand B97
Active Controls for Flight and Simulation
February 18th 2016

2. © Stirling Dynamics 2016
● Background and definition of active controls
● Their current use and benefits in platform control and simulation
applications
● R&D projects
● Summary
Synopsis
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3. © Stirling Dynamics 2016
● Active controls are those items that a pilot interacts with to control
a moving platform e.g. sticks, throttles, pedals
● Active controls uses mechatronics technology to provide tactile
feedback to the pilot on the behaviour and performance of the
platform that is being controlled – the “feel” so important to pilots
● Active controls electronically link pilot/co-pilot controls to prevent
conflicting demands to be applied to control surfaces
Definitions
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F-35 JSF
Stick and Throttle
UH-60 Black Hawk
Pedals
UH-60 Black Hawk
Cyclic

4. © Stirling Dynamics 2016
● Flight controls evolution
o Direct connection from pilot controls to surfaces via
cables & rods
o Hydraulic augmentation
o Introduction of analogue electronics
o Digital electronics and software
− allowing integration with other aircraft systems
− plus more sophisticated control features
● Initially aerospace, but now relevant to marine,
land and space platforms - in fact any platform
that requires precision control with feedback
characteristics
Background
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Wright Flyer controls
Tornado
Joint Strike Fighter

5. © Stirling Dynamics 2016
● Weight saving compared to mechanical systems
● Automatically adjusted feel/force/dynamic characteristics
based on the manoeuvre being performed and position in the
flight envelope
● Consistent and predictable feedback
● Electronically linked pilot/co-pilot controls
o Each input can be seen and felt by the other
o Prevents opposing control inputs from cancelling each other
out
● Back driven controls indicate to the pilot what actions the
autopilot is performing
● Ability to integrate with other aircraft systems to support
complex operations
● Applicable to platforms and simulation systems
o The main additions for flight-worthy platform systems are
multiple-redundant architectures and aircraft communication
interfaces
Features and Benefits of Active Controls
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● Reconfigurable to represent different aircraft types
o Change configuration files and grips
● Replicate varying aircraft characteristics, including failure modes
and emergency conditions to test the pilot in extreme conditions
● Range of cueing effects can support human factors trials
● Linked controls allows instructor to perform (or adjust) a
manoeuvre while student feels the motion through the control
device
● Also used during aircraft development to evaluate and tune the
end-to-end flight control system
Training and Simulation
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● FASC - Full Authority Submarine Control
● ALICIA - All Condition Operations and Innovative Cockpit
Infrastructure
● ACROSS – Advanced Cockpit for Reduction of Stress and Workload
Stirling R&D Projects
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● Project Objective – To develop the next
generation of submarine steering and
diving control
● A single user interface that combines
o Active side stick control technology
o Integrated steering, diving, hover, trim and
ballast control
● Includes increased tactile cues through the
side stick controller e.g. to indicate safety
manoeuvring envelope
● Benefits
o Reduced operator workload and errors
o Reduced training burden as easier to learn
o Operator roles can be combined to save on
manpower costs
o Space and weight savings
FASC - Full Authority Submarine Control
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9. © Stirling Dynamics 2016
● Project Objective - To develop future cockpit
concepts
● Based on the principle that accidents are
more likely to occur when the workload in the
cockpit is high
● Review of which operations can be performed
through side sticks (linked & unlinked)
● Addition of extra tactile cues to the side stick
(e.g. shaker, gates, stops)
● Integration of active controls into the Agusta
Westland's rotary wing simulator for
simulation trials
● Conclusion: Control of the aircraft achieved in
a safe, collaborative and intuitive way – with
reduced workload
ALICIA - All Condition Operations and Innovative
Cockpit Infrastructure
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10. © Stirling Dynamics 2016
ACROSS – Advanced Cockpit for Reduction of Stress
and Workload
● Project Objective - To reduce pilot workload and stress in the cockpit
● By the following means
o Automating the tasks of controlling and flying the aircraft
o Increasing crew efficiency and reducing workload and stress with innovative
cockpit technologies
o Providing automatic response to unplanned events
● Stirling developed a prototype Smart Grip
Active Side Stick, including sensors to measure
pilot performance and stress levels:
o heart rate
o palm sweat
o “hands-on” detection
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11. © Stirling Dynamics 2016
● Active controls can significantly enhance the capability of flight
control and simulation systems for aerospace, marine and land
environments
● Continuing miniaturisation will allow active controls to be applied
to more platforms
● The additional safety features, such as linked controls, can prevent
catastrophic conflicting interaction between pilot and co-pilot
● Addition of in-built sensors will further increase the sophistication
of control actions and increase safety
● Safety concerns may force regulatory bodies such as EASA and FAA
to mandate active controls for civil aircraft
● Stirling Dynamics are world leaders in the design and production of
active control products and have a deep understanding of aircraft
and submarine dynamics
● Come and see us at Booth B97 for more detailed information
Summary

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