Molding Flight Test Methods For Solid Data Collection

Mr. Collin Drake, Mr. Michael Perron, Mr. Christian Garcia, United States Air Force Test Center, Edwards AFB, California, USA
Mr. Michael Perron, United States Air Force Test Center, Edwards AFB, California, USA
Mr. Christian Garcia, United States Air Force Test Center, Edwards AFB, California, USA
Mr. Jay Welch, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Advanced Development Projects

Abstract

The Hybrid Flight Control Computer (HFLCC) was developed as a solution to host The Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS) and Pilot Activated Recovery System (PARS) through an existing analog flight control computer architecture. As the future of F-16 technology, the testing of this system required the team to leverage unique and forward-thinking techniques to gather flight test data.

New and unique flight test methods were developed via the use of pre-flight test simulation and real-time flight test analysis tools to reliably and repeatably collect test data to effectively analyze the performance of the system during highly dynamic maneuvers. Collection of flight science data such as frequency sweeps and doublets with the goal of repeatable flight control input and output data for comparison with legacy performance was important for functional proof of the HFLCC concept.

Resourceful flight test methods such as the utilization of a ‘beep track’ and real-time control room calls using live coherence analysis during frequency sweeps resulted in consistent data that was able to be compared with baseline flight science data. Using these techniques, what used to be considered much of a pilot art, was turned into a reliable and scientific gathering of aircraft response data.