The evolution of Digital Fly-By-Wire (DFBW) systems began with the Tupolev ANT-20 aircraft in the 1930s, followed by the Avro Arrow CF-105 in the 1950s. However, the most significant milestone in DFBW technology was NASA’s modification of a 1972 F-8 Crusader, marking the first-ever implementation of a DFBW flight control system. This groundbreaking program, which lasted from 1972 to 1985, served as a critical testbed for the development of the F-16 sidestick controller. During the program, the F-8 was extensively used to evaluate and refine the handling qualities of the shuttle flight control system, including adjustments to sample rates and execution time limits. Over the course of the program, a total of 211 flights were conducted, solidifying its status as one of the most significant and successful initiatives in NASA’s history.
In the commercial aviation sector, Airbus became the first manufacturer to adopt fly-by-wire control systems, setting a new standard for aircraft control technology. DFBW systems in commercial aircraft have since amassed an exemplary flight safety record, surpassing that of traditional mechanical control systems. This shift to digital control has not only enhanced the performance and safety of modern aircraft but also underscored the transformative impact of DFBW technology on aviation.
[[F-8 Crusader]]
[[HFB-320 Hansa Jet]] – used as a FBW testbed for DLR
[[Sidestick Controller]]
[[Space Shuttle Flight Control System]] – digital FBW with dissimilar backup
CADC – first fbw computer
Sources
- Y. Gibbs, “NASA Dryden Fact Sheet – F-8 Digital Fly-By-Wire Aircraft,” NASA. Accessed: Oct. 13, 2022. [Online]. Available: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/news/FactSheets/FS-024-DFRC.html
- Andreas, “C* – An unknown star,” Engineering Pilot. Accessed: Jan. 14, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.engineeringpilot.com/post/2018/10/15/c-an-unknown-star
- D. Niedermeier and A. A. Lambregts, “FLY-BY-WIRE AUGMENTED MANUAL CONTROL – BASIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS”.
Backlinks
[[Digital Fly-By-Wire]]
[[F-16]]
[[Nasa]]
Pilot-Induced Oscillations