11.30. FOREWORD

Flight control is a very complex engineering challenge that encompasses many disciplines. Flight control systems (FCS) design includes understanding and modeling of the aircraft dynamics, deriving control requirements, hardware and software development and implementation, and finally in-flight validation and operation. It goes far beyond flight control laws (FCL) design, although this particular discipline is generally supported by valuable and intensive theoretical and applied research.

Historically, the technologies available for the first FCS generations and the tools used for their development were very simple. The continuous demand for enhancement in aircraft flight performance has led to progress in technology, more sophisticated FCS, and higher integration in the overall aircraft architecture. Particularly, fly-by-wire (FBW) technology revolutionized aircraft FCS in the 1980s. Several books have been published since that time that will be of interest for students or engineers interested in FCS and willing to learn more (McLean 1990; Blakelock 1991; Stevens and Lewis 1992; Pratt 2000). This section obviously cannot go into detail for all FCS design issues. It should be considered as an introduction that aims only to help the understanding of key issues. Basic information will be found on:

• Flight control objectives and requirements

• Actuation principles and aircraft flight dynamics

• Control laws design process

• Technological issues for flight control implementation

When necessary, information will be particularized for civil and military FCS design. The Airbus FBW experience will be detailed and some open and challenging...