Full Authority Digital Control for a Small Turbine Helicopter Engine

A second-generation full authority digital electronic control has been developed for small turbine engines in helicopter applications. The device is functionally complex, featuring adaptive control techniques, fault-tolerant design and self-diagnostics. Yet, a highly reliable design is maintained using high-level electronics integration, simple mechanical interface and a sophisticated computer software language. Control system development and F.A.A. certification testing, including the results of a rigorous flight test program, are documented.