Control Systems for the Next Century’s Fighter Engines

Abstract

The paper describes a conceptual control system design based on advanced technologies currently in the exploratory development phase, and, in some cases, emerging into the advanced development phase. It explores future propulsion control systems that focus on improvements in three areas: (1) significantly reducing control system weight; (2) enhancing engine performance (thrust, sfc, etc.); and (3) improving control system reliability and tolerance to high-threat environments (temperature, vibration, EMI, EMP, etc.). The factors that will influence the design and hardware configuration of future propulsion control systems are described. Design goals for future systems, based on the DOD/NASA IHPTET Initiative, and projections of emerging technology capability (and availability) form the basis for future propulsion control system design requirements and for estimating future hardware configurations.