Bio-inspired aircraft control

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to present a state-of-the-art review in various fields of interest, leading to a new concept of bio-inspired control of small aircraft. The main goal is to improve controllability and safety in flying at low speeds. Design/methodology/approach The review part of the paper gives an overview of artificial and natural flow sensors and haptic feedback actuators and applications. This background leads to a discussion part where the topics are synthesized and the trend in control of small aircraft is estimated. Findings The gap in recent aircraft control is identified in the pilot–aircraft interaction. A pilot’s sensory load is discussed and several recommendations for improved control system architecture are laid out in the paper. Practical implications The paper points out an opportunity for a following research of suggested bio-inspired aircraft control. The control is based on the artificial feeling of aerodynamic forces acting on a wing by means of haptic feedback. Originality/value The paper merges two research fields – aircraft control and human–machine interaction. This combination reveals new possibilities of aircraft control.

More Haptic Aircraft

“…In modern aircraft control, the visual modality has become saturated [1]. While this is not problematic under standard conditions, it can lead to a reduction in situational awareness during unexpected or emergency events.…”

Flight Test of Pilot-Aircraft Haptic Feedback System

“…The improvement of the pilot-airplane interaction is supposed to make the airplane control more intuitive. A decrease in a pilot workload and improvement of a pilot's situational awareness are expected at the same time [6].…”

“…Haptic feedback promises such improvement in aircraft control. The survey [6] shows that the transfer of some sensations from visual modality to a touch modality could better utilize the pilot's attention. Beeftink et al stated [7] that haptic feedback in aircraft control could decrease pilot head-down time on behalf of head-up time on a flight simulator.…”

Pilot-aircraft haptic feedback tests

“…The literature survey shows (Zikmund, 2018) that the current pilot-aircraft interaction methods have limitations. Visual sense might be overloaded in some flight phases.…”

“…The literature survey (Zikmund et al , 2018) shows that the current pilot-aircraft interaction methods have certain limitations. In certain flight phases, visual sense might be overloaded.…”