Direct optical control: a lightweight backup consideration

The author addresses the benefits and issues associated with direct optical flight control and discusses the status of work to bring it to reality. It is noted that the approach considered is compatible with existing and future fly-by-wire and fly-by-light actuation approaches, can be used as a dedicated backup or integrated with primary fly-by-light systems over common command paths, and can be implemented as a minimal or extensive backup with very little weight penalty. In addition, it can be effectively retrofitted to existing fly-by-wire systems, provides enhanced survivability and mission capability in severe EMI (electromagnetic interference) environments, and provides a simple, reliable, and inexpensive backup capability. Direct optical control can be implemented as analog, pulsewidth modulated, etc. and is well adapted for harsh aircraft environments. It does not require new technologies to be developed for effective implementation, is extremely well adapted for power-by-wire actuation systems, and if implemented properly it can substantially reduce aircraft wiring and associated shielding maintenance