Synthesis and test issues for future aircraft inertial systemsintegration

A survey is presented of the potential benefits, possible pitfalls, and anticipated testing needs of integrating inertial guidance systems with systems dependent on the availability of the electromagnetic spectrum. Commonly referred to as integrated communications, navigation, and identification avionics (ICNIA), these systems of the future offer the combined potential for superb positioning and secure communications. The general characteristics (if current development trends continue) of the next-generation inertial navigation systems (INS) are briefly presented, followed by key modular and conceptual issues in the synthesis of this INS with systems dependent on the EM spectrum. Modular issues as considered here are those related to detailed implementation and resulting efficiency. Conceptual issues are those related to overall military strategy and resulting effectiveness. An example of modular systems integration is given, and a few preparations which can be anticipated for the field testing of integrated systems are presented, followed by concluding comments     

Real-time parameter identification applied to flight simulation

In-flight simulations are normally accomplished using model-following control laws which depend on accurate knowledge of the stability derivatives of the host aircraft. Degraded simulation results if the stability derivatives deviate considerably from their presumed values. Gain scheduling is often used to compensate for plant parameter variations, but this form of open-loop compensation usually requires extensive flight testing for proper fine tuning. An adaptive, fast-sampling control law to compensate for changing aircraft parameters is described. The step-response matrix required for implementation is identified recursively using a technique which does not need special test signals, and which automatically discounts old data depending on the input excitation detected. Tracking fidelity is maintained despite parameter changes which occur abruptly or slowly, and actuator position and rate limiting are discussed. The performance of the resulting system is excellent and demonstrates the relative advantages of adaptive controllers for in-flight simulation