Layout of Reversible Flight Control System

Definition: in a reversible flight control system, when the cockpit controls are moved, the

aerodynamic surface controls move and vice versa.

Reversible flight control systems are typically mechanized with cables, push-rods or a

combination thereof.

Major design problems associated with this type of flight controls are:

1. Friction

2. Cable stretch

3. Weight

4. Handling qualities

5. Flutter

Major advantages associated with this type of flight controls are:

1. Simplicity (reliability)

2. Low cost

3. Relatively Maintenance Free

D1L4R Flight Control Reversible Lateral Flight Control Systems Layout

Important Design Aspects of Reversible Flight Control Systems

1. Mechanical design requirements for cable and for push-rod systems

2. Efficiency considerations

3. Cable and push-rod control force levels

4. Aerodynamic balance requirements

D1L4R Reversible Directional Controls

Mechanical design requirements associated with cable systems

(D1L41 uses cable system)

1. Cable stretch and cable slack

The figure above shows how cable stretch occurs in a simple cable system.

The pilot’s control force (moment) is opposed by an aerodynamically induced

hinge moment. The consequence is that one cable will be stretched while the other

cable will develop slack.

To prevent a ‘slack’ cable from leaving its pulley(s) or to prevent the cable

from getting tangled into some other system a number of precautions are taken:

a. Pulley have cables guards

 b. For long cable runs, additional pulleys and/or cable guides must be

installed.

c. Turnbuckles and/or cable stretchers may have to be used to pre-stretch

the cable system so that slack cables do not occur.

2. System friction

A major cause of handling quality problems with airplanes is control system

friction.
 To prevent too much friction, the following ground rules were applied to D1L4R:

a. Cable runs as straight as possible.

b. Number of pulleys and guides as small as possible (Every cable turn an

additional pulley is needed which introduces extra friction and extra

weight)

3. System elastic deformation

Another major problem in the design of cable systems is the occurrence of

elastic deformations. Sources for these deformation are the cables themselves and

the pulley attachment structure. Excessive elastic deformation in a cable system

means that full control surface travel will not be attained.

To prevent elastic control system deformation of D1L4R, the following

ground rules were observed:

a. D1L4R uses oversized cables

b. Pulleys are attached to ‘stiff’ structural components

Primary Flight Control system cables have a diameter of 0.20in.

Deflection Limits for D1L4R

Ground Adjustable Tabs

D1L4R uses ground adjustable tabs. These tabs allows pilot control forces to be

trimmed in one flight condition only. These tabs are light, cheap and simple.

D1L4R Control Surface Configuration

Aerodynamic balance requirements and control system gadgets

In many instances it turns out that desirable handling qualities cannot be attained

without the use of so-called control system gadgets. D1L4R uses one of control system

gadget known as Downspring.

Downspring – adds a force to the pilot control force, this added force is

proportional to control stick or to control surface deflection