Longitudinal SCAS design and simulation for civil aircraft simulator

Abstract In this paper, the principle and benefits of stability and control augmentation system (SCAS) are introduced. Four schemes of the longitudinal SCAS for civil aircraft in normal mode are analyzed and compared. One of them, i.e., C * response type, is selected. Its architecture is determined. Then, based on a typical civil aircraft, the flight control law of the longitudinal SCAS is designed. A simulation model of the longitudinal SCAS is established through MATLAB software. Finally, the simulation and verification of the longitudinal SCAS model is carried out. The simulation results show that the designed longitudinal SCAS is feasible and can be applied to engineering practice. Compared with either normal load or pitch rate command response type, with proportional and integral feedback for mixed control signals of pitch rate and normal load, C * not only improves the short period characteristics but also effectively separates phugoid and short period frequencies, thus achieving high control accuracy.