Integrated Propulsion Control System Program

Propulsion system hardware has steadily increased in complexity which has placed even greater demands on the propulsion control hardware. With the engine and inlet operating at higher levels of performance, the need for improvements in control system technology has become more evident. In addition to increased sensing and computation, it is required that the various inlet and engine control functions be integrated to achieve maximum propulsion system stability and performance during all flight conditions. This paper describes a three year exploratory research program for the design, development, and flight evaluation of an Integrated Propulsion Control System (IPCS). The primary objectives of this program are to establish through flight test the potential improvements in steady-state and transient propulsion system performance that can be achieved as a direct result of new modes of control, more direct sensing of engine and inlet parameters, and the use of more sophisticated, high-speed digital computation. A F-111 E aircraft with the left inlet and engine modified to the IPCS configuration will be used to conduct the flight evaluation.