The X-Wing, in concept, marries the efficiencies of a helicopter and fixed wing aircraft through the use of a four-bladed wing/rotor that can be rotated or stopped in flight. The RSRA/X-Wing flight test program was a technology demonstration of this concept which, after three successful flights, was discontinued in late 1987. In spite of many technical challenges in this program, such as the use of circulation control, the fabrication of a large all-composite rotor, the development of an advanced, quadruplex digital flight control system, and the need for higher harmonic control, no major technical problems had been encountered at the time of the stop-work order. This paper addresses the issues of flight control system development and focuses on lessons learned. As with other such programs, software development was the most consuming issue. Other subjects of discussion include the problems of balancing program goals with technical goals, software- and hard-ware-related problems, safety issues, and system testing.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    RSRA/X-Wing flight control system development - Lessons learned


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    AHS Annual Forum ; 1989 ; Boston, MA, United States


    Publication date :

    1989-01-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Development status of the RSRA/X-Wing

    GUERTIN, R. | AIAA | 1985


    RSRA flight control and stabilization

    Linden, A. W. | NTRS | 1976


    RSRA flight development test in the airplane configuration

    Erickson, R. E. / Kufeld, R. M. / Cross, J. L. et al. | NTRS | 1985


    The RSRA/X-Wing Experiment - A Status Report

    Lane, James W. / Sumich, Mark | SAE Technical Papers | 1987