Future Challenges in V/STOL Flight Propulsion Control Integration

During the late 1970's many innovative aircraft and high performance propulsion systems were conceived as viable solutions to the Navy V/STOL requirements. Concurrently, pro-found changes, driven by microprocessor technology, are taking place in the fields of flight and propulsion controls. The U.S. Navy and NASA are pursuing a control concept definition program to investigate the basic changes in flight and propulsion control design rationale, criteria and methodology needed to take maximum advantage of these advancements in electronic control technology. The initial step of this program reviewed the V/STOL propulsion control technology status and the generic technical issues. This paper discusses the challenges presented by an advanced V/STOL flight and propulsion control system and an approach to developing the technology needed for this system.