A Modular Adaptive,Variable Function Flight Control Sensor.

摘要

This development effort culminated in flight-worthy test articles of multi-function sensors, for use in 'strap-down' flight control systems. The multi-function sensor with one moving part, performs the equivalent to a two-axis rate gyro, two-axis linear accelerometer, a three-axis magnetic field sensor, a two-axis electric field sensor, and a two-axis air data probe. This development effort demonstrated the feasibility of a multi-function sensor which brings together the elements of a multi-mode flight control sensing scheme, that is, one which takes a measure of the earth's electric and magnetic fields, the air mass through which the carrying vehicle is moving, and a measure of vehicle angular velocity and linear acceleration. Its use is intended to determine vehicle heading, velocity, and attitude with respect to the magnetic north, air mass flow and local vertical. The aim of the effort was to reduce cost, power consumption, volume and mechanical complexity by an order of magnitude.