The author discusses some of the problems of failure-survival automatic flight control systems and suggests some basic ground rules as design criteria. The advantages and disadvantages of some of the main types of system are discussed: duplex, triplex, triple component, duplicate-monitored and quadruplex systems being covered. In particular, a quadruplex actuator is described which has been designed and developed mainly for automatic flight control system applications where a very high degrees of failure-survival capability is required. A detailed failure analysis of the various systems is carried out and the importance of the electrical and hydraulic supply system configurations and failure rates is brought out.
EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF USING ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES IN ANALYZING RADIATION EFFECTS TO FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS. Final Report
