Unified Theory for Aircraft Handling Qualities and Adverse Aircraft-Pilot Coupling

A unie ed theory for aircraft handling qualities and adverse aircraft ‐pilot coupling or pilot-induced oscillations is introduced. The theory is based on a structural model of the human pilot. A methodology is presented for the prediction of 1 ) handling qualities levels, 2 ) pilot-induced oscillation rating levels, and 3 ) a frequency range in which pilot-induced oscillations are likely to occur. Although the dynamics of the force-feel system of the cockpit inceptor is included, the methodology will not account for effects attributable to control sensitivity and is limited to single-axis tasks and, at present, to linear vehicle models. The theory is derived from the feedback topology of the structural model and an examination of e ight test results for 32 aircraft cone gurations simulated by the U.S. Air Force/CALSPAN NT-33A and Total In-Flight Simulator variable stability aircraft. An extension to nonlinear vehicle dynamics such as that encountered with actuator saturation is discussed.