Lessons Learned in Control System Integration & Management from the S/MTD Program

A primary purpose of the STOL/Maneuver Technology Demonstrator program was to design, develop and demonstrate an integrated flight/propulsion control (IFPC) system. This system is intended to utilize the control power of all available control effectors in the control of the aircraft flight path in all parts of the aircraft envelope, on the ground as well as in the air. To accomplish this task, an integrated design and test effort was required, with the supplier of each component participating in the deliberations at all points in the program. The intent of this paper is to describe the requirements and goals of this team-oriented effort and the management techniques used to integrate both the hardware and software and the efforts of the multitude of agencies involved in the program.