C-17 flight control system overview

The basic requirements that drove the design of the McDonnell Douglas C-17 airlifter are examined. The background behind the deep stall avoidance, probability of loss of control, all-engine-out control, and safe go-around requirements is explained, and the overall flight control system (FCS) design is presented, focusing on features that satisfy the above-mentioned requires. Specific failure modes and their design safeguards are reviewed. The early flight test results are presented. Minor anomalies encountered and their effect on the final flight control design are discussed