Integrated Flight and Propulsion Control - A Review

Abstract

Integrated Flight and Propulsion Control (IFPC) systems are gaining importance in modern fighter aircraft to enhance performance, safety and life. The performance enhancement of the aircraft can be achieved by making optimal use of the interactions between the propulsion system and the aircraft flight dynamics. The safety of the aircraft can be enhanced by the use of propulsion system forces and moments for reconfiguring flight control in the event of damage/failure of aerodynamic control surfaces. The life of the propulsion system can be traded for the performance and vice-versa by varying operating margins throughout the flight envelope. The integration of inlet control, nozzle control, thrust vector control and varying the stability margins of the engine according to the flight conditions offer unlimited possibilities in enhancing the performance and safety. This paper is aimed at summarizing all aspects of IFPC and provide an overview of research being carried-out in each of these fields