Tunnel/Predictor Display for Trajectory Control in Hypersonic Flight

A tunnel/predictor display which presents guidance information in a 3-dimensional format is considered for improving trajectory control in hypersonic flight. The displayed 3-dimensional information comprises a tunnel image and a predictor for indicating the aircraft position at a specified time ahead. The 3-dimensional guidance information is introduced to support the pilot in controlling the flight path. It is considered that piloting problems can be avoided which exist with conventional trajectory control techniques due to path-attitude decoupling. A predictor control law is constructed which yields controlled element properties (predictor-aircraft system) requiring minimum pilot compensation. This predictor control law forms the basis of the trajectory control improvement goal. Results from hypersonic flight simulation tests at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center are presented for experimental verification. This paper is an outcome of a joint research effort of the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, and the Institute of Flight Mechanics and Flight Control of the Technische Universität München and the Department of Aeronautics, Naval Architecture and Railway Vehicles (former Department of Aircraft and Ships at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics