S&SI Low Force, Low Cost Control Loader

Low Force, Low Cost Control Loader

Installed Low Force Control Loader
Photo provided by Simcom.

Model 200-X

This control loader provides a maximum force level of 40lbs in roll, 60lbs in pitch, and 100lbs in yaw. The flight control model is a highly accurate model of the aircraft flight control system. Any type of flight control system can be simulated: Fully boosted, partially boosted, or unboosted. One or more masses are coupled to the pilot's controls through linkage or cable springs. This is sometimes called a "Fore and Aft" system. The spring rate and the damping can be varied so that the loader can simulate the change in force gradient and damping which occurs with changes in dynamic pressure. Friction, stops, breakouts, boost actuators, non-linear gearing, non-linear aero hinge moments, etc. are available with this loader. The friction model is perfect. The stick does not creep even if a force is put on it. For aircraft which have separable flight controls, separate control loading actuators can be used for the left and right flight controls, with the left and right controls linked through software. There is an autopilot input which will accommodate drive signals from all types of autopilots (simulated, not real, autopilots). Hardware interfaces to all types of real autopilots hardware can be used with this loader. There is a small amount of friction in the actuator.

Key Benefits:

All ELECTRIC Actuation

Clean, Quiet

Low Maintenance

Interfaces:

Several interfaces are available: Bit 3, Ethernet, DR-11W (Concurrent), HSD (Encore), and UBC (Universal Bus Controller, Harris). Bit 3 is the easiest to use, Ethernet is the lowest cost for hardware. RS-232 can be used for some applications. DR-11W, HSD, and UBC are essentially obsolete and should only be used with older host computers.

Flight Control Model:

Coupled mass system. Model includes cable spring, coupled mass, friction, damping, aero hinge moment, aero damping, boost actuators, non-linear gearing, breakout, centering spring, for and aft stops (fixed or moveable), trim, autopilot engage, weight on nose wheel, nose wheel velocity and nose wheel velocity angle.

Control Parameters from Host:

Dynamic pressure, roll rate, pitch rate, yaw rate, dynamic pressure divided by velocity, boost oil pressure, autopilot command, autopilot engage, weight on nose wheel, nose wheel velocity and nose wheel angle.

Variables to Host:

Stick positions, Pedal position, Surface positions, control forces, nose wheel angle, nose wheel force, error code.