SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANGLE OF ATTACK INDICATION WITH NO DEDICATED SENSORS AND AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

摘要

A system for and method of indicating an angle of attack of an aircraft is provided. The system utilizes measurements from existing aircraft sensors so that a dedicated angle of attack sensor is not required. The system enables and benefits from a unique method that includes performing standard flight operations during a calibration flight. The system does not need any aerodynamic model of the aircraft because it utilizes information from the calibration flight to develop an estimated aerodynamic model of the specific airplane. The system utilizes the aerodynamic model and other information to estimate an angle of attack of the aircraft during flight. Finally, the system utilizes additional information to indicate the estimated angle of attack of the aircraft relative to an optimum angle of attack for the aircraft and/or a critical angle of attack of the aircraft. The system further enables recalibration, so as to accommodate aircraft aerodynamic modifications.

主权项

1. A system for determining an angle of attack of an aircraft, the system comprising:
a display screen positioned within an aircraft so as to be visible to a pilot of the aircraft during flight operations of the aircraft, said display screen being in data communication with a system processor and being configured to display an estimated angle of attack of the aircraft during said flight operations; an air data computer in data communication with said system processor, said air data computer being configured to supply true airspeed data, indicated airspeed data, and climb rate data to said system processor during said flight operations; an attitude and acceleration sensor data system in data communication with said system processor, said attitude and acceleration sensor data system being configured to supply aircraft acceleration data, aircraft attitude data, and data pertaining to the aircraft's rate of angular movement to said system processor during said flight operations; a global positioning system in data communication with said system processor, said global positioning system being configured to supply ground speed data and track angle data to said system processor during said flight operations; and a configuration module in data communication with said system processor during aircraft flight operations, said configuration module being configured to store installation parameters and calibration parameters, wherein said calibration parameters are obtained by the system during one or more calibration flight.