Project MAGIC CARPET: Advanced Controls and Displays for Precision Carrier Landings

摘要

Maritime augmented guidance with integrated controls for carrier approach and recovery precision enabling technologies (MAGIC CARPET) is an enhanced set of flight control laws and Head-Up Display symbology for F/A-18E/F/G aircraft which seek to reduce the unique pilotage skills required for shipboard landings. Integrated Direct Lift Control significantly simplifies 'ball flying' by allowing for repeatable and precise flightpath changes using lift as directly commanded via longitudinal stick displacements. Additionally, 'Delta Path' control mode adds a feature that allows the aircraft to capture, maintain, and return to the 'ideal' 3.5 degree glideslope, nearly hands off. This essentially de-couples the glideslope task from the lineup task. The enhanced HUD symbology provides much improved direct pilot feedback cues on the magnitude of glideslope and lineup corrections. Recent shipboard flight test completed aboard the USS Bush (CVN-77) in April 2015 confirmed a 50% reduction in touchdown dispersion as well as greatly reducing overall carrier approach workload as observed through real-time pilot feedback. Test results, pilot comments and lessons learned will be presented.