Advanced Control Concepts, for example, Control Configured Vehicle (CCV) and Active Controls Technology (ACT), hold considerable promise of more efficient operation for commercial transport. These potential improvements, greatest for new designs that include the control concepts from their outset, yield reductions in airplane weight and/or drag with associated impact on fuel requirements, operating costs, etc. Limited improvement is also available for existing airplanes that meet certain control system requirements.
This paper discusses the potential impact of advanced controls on commercial transports as performance improvements or fuel savings, and the improvement sensitivity to the design mission and configuration. The commercial application of these advanced concepts must follow flight demonstration of the flight-critical aspects, and careful determination of the reliability (safety and dispatch), certification, and economic aspects. Finally, research and demonstration activities necessary for the commercial application of these advanced control concepts are recommended.