Bio-inspired aircraft control
Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology
ISSN: 0002-2667
Article publication date: 11 October 2018
Issue publication date: 19 October 2018
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a state-of-the-art review in various fields of interest, leading to a new concept of bio-inspired control of small aircraft. The main goal is to improve controllability and safety in flying at low speeds.
Design/methodology/approach
The review part of the paper gives an overview of artificial and natural flow sensors and haptic feedback actuators and applications. This background leads to a discussion part where the topics are synthesized and the trend in control of small aircraft is estimated.
Findings
The gap in recent aircraft control is identified in the pilot–aircraft interaction. A pilot’s sensory load is discussed and several recommendations for improved control system architecture are laid out in the paper.
Practical implications
The paper points out an opportunity for a following research of suggested bio-inspired aircraft control. The control is based on the artificial feeling of aerodynamic forces acting on a wing by means of haptic feedback.
Originality/value
The paper merges two research fields – aircraft control and human–machine interaction. This combination reveals new possibilities of aircraft control.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The research leading to these results has received funding partially from the MEYS under the National Sustainability Programme I (Project LO1202). It has also been partially supported by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic under the research program TE01020415 (V3C – Visual Computing Competence Center) and by the project Navigation of handicapped people funded by grant no. SGS16/236/OHK3/3T/13 (FIS 161 – 1611663C000).
Citation
Zikmund, P., Macík, M., Dvořák, P. and Míkovec, Z. (2018), "Bio-inspired aircraft control", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 90 No. 6, pp. 983-991. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-01-2017-0020
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited