Autoflight and Powerplant Integration of Last Generation Commuter Aircraft

A longitudinal guidance function integrating path and airspeed control was developed for an Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) to be installed in last generation commuter aircraft.

The basic control law employs the Total Energy Concept, which provides integrated commands to the aircraft's throttles and elevators.

Results of a digital simulation during the approach flight phase are also presented to demonstrate the autoflight and powerplant integration effectiveness.