Smart Stick Controllers

In an effort to apply computers to aid the control of aircraft, a study is being conducted on the use of a computer to change the dynamics of a hand controller as a function of several variables. Such a stick could be termed a "Smart Stick" if its dynamic properties could change by computer control as a function of measured variables. The variables considered here are the G fields experienced and the pilot\´s biodynamic response characteristics. By varying the stick controller\´s dynamic properties, it is possible to obtain more than one definition of closed loop (man-machine) system optimality. Several designs are considered using analog representations of mechanical systems and the use of methods from circuit theory. The main purpose here is to obtain insight on how to dynamically change the controller\´s characteristics using computer control to improve the closed loop man-machine system response under acceleration field stress.