Bae Systems, Inc.

Adam Taylor

Martyn Ingleton

Jason Howard Bean

Jonathan David Draper

Keith Michael DeSalvo

Daniel John Wells

Keith Michael Desalvo

An oscillation system includes an oscillation circuitry configured to cause at least one motor of a first set of motors to provide an oscillation of a user-input device in at least one axis of the user-input device. The oscillation may be triggered in response to an input from at least one sensor, the user-input device for operating an aircraft control system of an aircraft. The oscillation circuitry is configured to operate independently from a resistive force circuitry. The resistive force circuitry is to provide a resistive force to the user-input device, using the at least one motor of the first set of motors.

Oscillation system

Aircraft control systems to enable shared input controls. A single inceptor may provide outputs to control both land-based aircraft controls and air-based aircraft controls to reduce the number of inceptors required. In an example a side-stick provides control of both pitch and aircraft nose-wheel steering. Active inceptor technology may be utilised to provide feedback to the operator on the control system state.

Aircraft control systems

An aircraft () is provided with a single centrally located inceptor () for controlling pitch and roll of the aircraft. The inceptor () is provided with a double grip () so that it may be comfortably operated by either a pilot or a co-pilot. A central location for the inceptor ensures that its motion and position is visible to both pilot and co-pilot. Not only is this a benefit from a safety point of view but also during pilot training. Alternatively, two inceptors () are provided in the centre console () adjacent to one another for operation respectively by the pilot and co-pilot and may be mechanically linked. Optionally, the aircraft may be provided with outboard throttle quadrants () for operation respectively by the co-pilot and pilot. The outboard throttle quadrants may be mechanically linked together.

Aircraft with outboard throttle quadrant arrangements

An active inceptor apparatus and method for operating a machine. The apparatus comprises a stick member having a grip portion, the stick member being pivotably mounted relative to a housing. It further comprises a position sensor responsive to, and for generating signals indicative of, stick member position. A force sensor is provided on the stick member responsive to, and for generating signals indicative of, force applied to the stick by a user. The apparatus also includes a control unit operable to receive the position and force signals from the position and force sensors respectively. The control unit is operable to process the signals according to a predetermined relationship to determine a value FD indicative of force applied to the stick member relative to displacement of the stick member. The control unit is also operable to generate machine control signals as a function of position signals and force signals in dependence upon the value FD, for communication to the machine.

Inceptor apparatus

An inceptor apparatus and method for operating a machine, the operation of the machine providing an output from at least one inertial sensor. The apparatus comprises a stick member having a base portion, and a grip portion extending from the base portion in only one direction. The apparatus further comprises at least one sensor for generating actual stick member position data, and a control unit configured to receive an inertial force signal from the or each inertial sensor and the actual stick member position data. The control unit is operable generate a first stick member position compensation signal in dependence upon the inertial force signal and actual stick member position data.

A tactile cueing apparatus for incorporation in an aircraft flight control system comprising a flight control surface, and a pilots inceptor () for moving the surface via a servo-assisted mechanical linkage () connecting the inceptor to the control surface, the apparatus comprising a force sensor for sensing a force applied to the inceptor by the pilot to move the control surface, an electromechanical actuator () configured to be installed with the mechanical linkage between the inceptor and means in the system providing said servo-assistance, and control means programmed to cause the actuator (i) to move so that the linkage moves to a position determined by said force according to a predetermined relationship, (ii) to apply to the inceptor a resisting force according to a predetermined relationship and which when the linkage has moved to its commanded position is equal and opposite to the force sensed by the force sensor.

Tactile cueing apparatus

An active stick apparatusincludes a stick housingand a stick control memberpivotally mounted to the stick housingat a pivot point. The pivot pointacts to divide the stick control memberinto a first member sectionand a second member section. The pivot pointallows the stick control memberto pivot with respect to the stick housing, as indicated by directional arrowsand An actuatoris attached to the first member sectionat an end distal from the pivot point. The actuatoris arranged to act as a counterbalance to movement of the stick control memberabout the pivot pointunder acceleration forces asserted on the stick control member The output axle driveof the actuatoris fixedly coupled to a first sectionof a drive linkand a second sectionof the drive linkis pivotally coupled to a first sectionof a mounting linkage. A second sectionof the mounting linkageis pivotally coupled to the stick housing Coupling of the actuatorto the first member section mitigates the requirement for a conventional lump mass.

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Rochester, United Kingdom

Adam Taylor