Lessons Learned from Air Force Integrated Control Experience

The Air Force, in conjunction with the Navy, NASA, and industry, has been conducting R&D on integrated control systems for the past twenty years. Flight evaluation programs have included: maneuver load control, body bending mode stabilization, active flutter supression, terrain following, integrated flight/fire control (IFFC), advanced fighter technology integration (AFTI), and integrated flight management. Speculations are advanced, based on this experience, regarding some lessons learned, design principles, and unresolved issues. It is hoped that these speculations will stimulate industry and government discussion to converge on design guidelines, procedures, and specifications and help determine the most productive uses of additional R&D.