Development and Flight Test Results of an Autothrottle Control System at Mach 3 Cruise

Gilyard, Glenn B. and Burken, John J. (1980) Development and Flight Test Results of an Autothrottle Control System at Mach 3 Cruise. Technical Report NASA TP-1621, Research Engineering, NASA Dryden Flight Research Center.

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Abstract

This report presents flight test results obtained with the original Mach hold autopilot designed for the YF-12C airplane which uses elevator control and a newly developed Mach hold system which uses an autothrottle integrated with a previously developed altitude hold autopilot system. The autothrottle system was flight tested in Mach 3 cruise flight. The results of simulation studies are also presented. The main objective of the autothrottle tests was to demonstrate good speed control at high Mach numbers and high altitudes while simultaneously maintaining control over altitude and good ride qualities. The autothrottle system was designed to control either Mach number or knots equivalent airspeed (KEAS). Excellent control of Mach number (or KEAS) was obtained with the autothrottle system when combined with altitude hold. Ride qualities were also significantly better than with the conventional Mach hold system.

EPrint Type:	NASA Technical Publication
Keywords:	Flight control, Mach control, Mach 3 cruise aircraft, YF-12 aircraft
Subjects:	Aircraft/Project: YF-12 (01 - 09) Aeronautics: (08) Aircraft Stability And Control
ID Code:	647
Deposited On:	09 Febuary 2006
Additional Information:	40 pages.