Automatic Flight Control by Pallet – Summary
Automatic flight control systems (AFCS) are designed to reduce pilot workload and
maintain stable flight under various conditions. They ensure that the aircraft follows a
desired path, maintains attitude, and responds correctly to environmental disturbances or
control inputs.
Objectives of Automatic Flight Control:
1. To improve flight safety and navigation accuracy.
2. To stabilize the aircraft’s attitude and flight path automatically.
3. To reduce pilot fatigue during long flights.
4. To allow precise autopilot control during approach, landing, and cruise.
Main Functions:
• Stabilization – Maintains steady flight (pitch, roll, yaw) automatically.
• Control – Adjusts control surfaces to maintain flight conditions.
• Navigation – Uses radio, INS, or GPS to follow a path.
• Coupling – Integrates flight control with automatic navigation and engine systems.
Major Components of AFCS:
1. Sensors and Detectors – Measure attitude, altitude, speed, and motion (gyros,
accelerometers, air data sensors).
2. Amplifiers and Computers – Process sensor data and generate corrections.
3. Actuators – Move control surfaces like elevators, ailerons, and rudder.
4. Feedback Loops – Compare actual performance with desired values.
5. Autopilot Interface – Coordinates with flight management systems.
Control Loops:
• Inner Loop (Stability Augmentation): Rapid corrections for attitude and rate.
• Outer Loop (Autopilot/Navigation): Slow corrections for altitude, heading, and path.
Modes of Operation:
1. Attitude Hold Mode – Maintains constant pitch and roll.
2. Heading Hold Mode – Keeps constant heading.
3. Altitude Hold Mode – Maintains fixed altitude.
4. Navigation/Approach Modes – Follows route and landing path.
Pitch, Roll, and Yaw Control:
• Pitch Control – Elevator stabilizes longitudinal motion.
• Roll Control – Ailerons maintain bank and heading.
• Yaw Control – Rudder minimizes sideslip and coordinates turns.
System Classification:
1. Conventional (Hydromechanical) – Mechanical/hydraulic control links.
2. Fly-by-Wire – Electronic signal control via computers.
3. Fully Automatic – Integrates autopilot, flight director, and engine control.
Advantages:
• Enhances flight precision and safety.
• Reduces pilot workload.
• Provides smoother and more efficient flight.
• Enables automatic takeoff, cruise, and landing.
Conclusion:
The Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) is a vital component in modern aviation. It
combines aerodynamics, control theory, and automation to stabilize and guide aircraft
efficiently. Its effectiveness depends on accurate sensors, reliable actuators, and advanced
feedback control integrated with autopilot and navigation systems.
