the elevators by pulling back on the stick or yoke and
lowers them by pushing the stick or yoke forward.
The rudder is connected to the rudder pedals and is
used to move the aircraft about the vertical axis. If the
pilot moves the rudder to the right, the aircraft turns to
the right; if the rudder is moved to the left, the aircraft
turns to the left. The pilot moves the rudder to the right
by pushing the right rudder pedal, and to the left by
pushing the left rudder pedal.
Power control systems are used on high-speed jet
aircraft. Aircraft traveling at or near supersonic speeds
have such high air loads imposed upon the primary
control surfaces that the pilot cannot control the aircraft
without power-operated or power-boosted flight control
systems. In the power-boost system, a hydraulically
operated booster cylinder is incorporated within the
control linkage to assist the pilot in moving the control
surface. The power-boost cylinder is still used in the
rudder control system of some high-performance
aircraft; however, the other primary control surfaces use
the full power-operated system. In the full power-
operated system, all force necessary for operating the
control surface is supplied by hydraulic pressure. Each
movable surface is operated by a hydraulic actuator (or
power control cylinder) incorporated into the control
linkage.
In addition to the current Navy specification
requiring two separate hydraulic systems for operating
the primary flight control surfaces, specifications also
call for an independent hydraulic power source for
emergency operation of the primary flight control
surfaces. Some manufacturers provide an emergency
system powered by a motor-driven hydraulic pump;
others use a ram-air-driven turbine for operating the
emergency system pump.
Lateral Control Systems
Lateral control systems control roll about the
longitudinal axis of the aircraft. On many aircraft the
aileron is the primary source of lateral control. On other
aircraft flaperons and spoilers are used to control roll.
AILERON.Some aircraft are equipped with a
power mechanism that provides hydraulic power to
operate the ailerons. When the control stick is moved,
the control cables move the power mechanism sector.
Through linkage, the sector actuates the control valves,
which, in turn, direct hydraulic fluid to the power
cylinder. The cylinder actuating shaft, which is con-
nected to the power crank through a latch mechanism,
operates the power crank. The crank moves the
push-pull tubes, which actuate the ailerons. In the event
of complete hydraulic power failure, the pilot may pull
a handle in the cockpit to disconnect the latch
mechanisms from the cylinder and load-feel bungee.
This places the aileron system in a manual mode of
operation. In manual operation, the cable sector actuates
the power crank.
This lateral control system incorporates a load-feel
bungee, which serves a dual purpose. First, it provides
an artificial feeling and centering device for the aileron
system. Also, it is an interconnection between the
aileron system and the aileron trim system. When the
aileron trim actuator is energized, the bungee moves in
a corresponding direction and actuates the power
mechanism. The power mechanism repositions the
aileron control system to a new neutral position.
FLAPERON.As aircraft speeds increased, other
lateral control systems came into use. Some aircraft use
a flaperon system. The flaperon, shown in figure 1-5, is
a device designed to reduce lift on the wing whenever it
is extended into the airstream. With this system, control
stick movement will cause the left or right flaperon to
rise into the airstream and the opposite flaperon to
remain flush with the wing surface. This causes a
decrease of lift on the wing with the flaperon extended
and results in a roll.
SPOILER/DEFLECTOR.Many aircraft use a
combination aileron and spoiler/deflector system for
longitudinal control. The ailerons are located on the
trailing edge of the outer wing panel and, unlike most
aircraft, can be fully cycled with the wings folded. The
spoiler/deflector on each wing operates in conjunction
with the upward throw of the aileron on that wing. They
are located in the left- and right-hand wing center
sections, forward of the flaps. The spoiler extends
upward into the airstream, disrupts the airflow, and
causes decreased lift on that wing. The deflector extends
down into the airstream and scoops airflow over the
wing surface aft of the spoiler, thus preventing airflow
separation in that area.
A stop bolt on the spoiler bell crank limits
movement of the spoiler to 60 degrees deflection. The
deflector is mechanically slaved to the spoiler, and can
be deflected a maximum of 30 degrees when the spoiler
is at 60 degrees. The spoilers open only with the upward
movement of the ailerons.
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