A Fluidically-Augmented Artificial Feel System for High Performance Aircraft

Of the several types of pitch axis artificial feel systems currently in use in fighter and attack aircraft the most common is the bobweight, spring, and viscous damper type, and variations on it. The current project of NAVAIRDEVCEN is to augment and improve this type of feel system through the use of fluidic devises. Such augmentation will improve the handling qualities of aircraft by reducing variations in stick force for a given maneuvering response; will reduce the weight and inertia of the feel system; will permit tailoring of the feel system performance over the flight envelope.