For the Multi-Axis Thrust Vectoring (MATV) program, a new control law was developed using multi-axis thrust vectoring to augment the aircraft's aerodynamic control power to provide maneuverability above the normal F-16 angle of attack limit. The control law architecture was developed using Lockheed Fort Worth's offline and piloted simulation capabilities. The final flight control laws were used in flight test to demonstrate tactical benefits gained by using thrust vectoring in air-to-air combat. Differences between the simulator aerodynamics data base and the actual aircraft aerodynamics led to significantly different lateral-directional flying qualities during the flight test program than those identified during piloted simulation. A 'dial-a-gain' flight test control law update was performed in the middle of the flight test program. This approach allowed for inflight optimization of the aircraft's flying qualities. While this approach is not preferred over updating the simulator aerodynamic data base and then updating the control laws, the final selected gain set did provide adequate lateral-directional flying qualities over the MATV flight envelope. The resulting handling qualities and the departure resistance of the aircraft allowed the 422nd squadron pilots to focus entirely on evaluating the aircraft's tactical utility.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Vista/F-16 Multi-Axis Thrust Vectoring (MATV) Control Law Design and Evaluation


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1994


    Size :

    19 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





    VISTA/F-16 Multi-Axis Thrust Vectoring (MATV) Control Law Design and Evaluation

    Zwerneman, W. / Eller, B. / AIAA | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1994



    Multi-Axis Thrust Vectoring Aircraft Configuration

    COBB NATHAN IAN | European Patent Office | 2018

    Free access

    F16 Multi-Axis Thrust Vectoring Program

    Sweeney, J. E. / Gerzanics, M. A. / Sanders, K. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1994