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Brian Jewell
Department of Engineering, Calvin College
Engineering 315 Final Paper
Professor Ribeiro
Abstract: Autopilot systems have been crucial to
flight control for decades and have been making
flight easier, safer, and more efficient. However,
these autopilot systems are complex devices that
require precise control and stability.
These
systems usually include a form of digital control
systems to allow for easier implementation. One
example, the Beaver Autopilot system, uses an
inner, outer loop system to maintain control while
simpler systems often only require something as
simple as a PID controller to keep the aircraft
stable.
1. Introduction
Since the creation of the first aircraft, the
ability for people to travel large distances in
relatively short periods of time has drastically
increased. However, in the beginning of the
airplane age, traveling on these craft was difficult
as there are many components of air travel and
controlling these components can be an extremely
difficult task for a pilot. In modern aircraft, there
are simply too many things for the pilot to control
them all so some form of automation must be
done. Also, long air trips can cause problems for
the pilots. While the plane is traveling along the
same trajectory, flying can and does become a
rather monotonous job for the pilot and the pilot
runs a higher risk of falling asleep or suffering
from a reduced response time. For these reasons,
autopilot systems have become a blessing to the
aerospace industry.
However, these autopilot systems are not
simple systems. They require complex control
systems with robust measuring equipment. The
scope of this paper is to give an overview of
autopilot systems (with a description of digital
controls), to examine the Beaver Autopilot System,
and to explore a simple flight control example.
2. History
Bibliography
Rauw, Marc. A Simulink Toolbox for Flight
Dynamics and Control Analysis. Published
by Marc Rauw, 1994 2001
Richard Dorf and Robert Bishop. Modern Control
Systems. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2001
Flight Dynamic and Control Toolbox page.
< http://home.wanadoo.nl/dutchroll/>
Hughes, Arthur. History of Air Navigation. Great
Britain: Unwin Bothers Limited Working,
1946
Shevell, Richard. Fundamentals of Flight. NJ:
Prentice Hall, 1983