Flightpath synthesis and HUD scaling for V/STOL terminal area operations

摘要

A two circle horizontal flightpath synthesis algorithm for Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing (V/STOL) terminal area operations is presented. This algorithm provides a flightpath that is tangential to the aircraft's velocity vector at the instant of flightpath select and has continuous curvature. The algorithm corrects deficiencies noted in tests conducted with the V/STOL Systems Research Aircraft (VSRA) using a single circle algorithm described in NASA TM 104027. In addition, a more general vertical flightpath synthesis algorithm is presented, aimed primarily at minimizing the rapid increase of pilot workload during the final phase of decelerating transition just prior to acquiring the station-keeping point. Finally, a new technique for lateral scaling of a V/STOL Head Up Display (HUD) is presented, aimed at minimizing the inevitable anomalies that such scaling produces. All the above named items have been tested in flight with the VSVR, and all have produced improvements.