22 Auto Flight
22 Auto Flight
22 Auto Flight
AUTO FLIGHT
GENERAL
U3T06191 - U0M35M0
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FLY BY WIRE
If the pilot moves the side stick when the AFS is active, it disengages
the autopilot. Back to manual flight, when the sidestick is released, the
EFCS maintains the actual aircraft attitude.
NAVIGATION
A fundamental function of the AFS is to calculate the aircraft position.
To compute the aircraft position, the system uses several aircraft sensors,
which give useful information for this purpose.
SYSTEM DESIGN
To meet the necessary reliability, the AFS is built around 4 computers.
There are two interchangeable Flight Management and Guidance
Computers (FMGCs) and two interchangeable Flight Augmentation
Computers (FACs). It is a FAIL OPERATIVE system. Each FMGC and
FAC has a command part and a monitor part to be FAIL PASSIVE.
FLIGHT PLAN
The AFS has several flight plans predetermined by the airline in its
memory. A flight plan describes a complete flight from departure to
arrival; it gives vertical information and all intermediate waypoints. The
plan can be displayed on the EFIS or on the Multipurpose Control &
Display Units (MCDU).
OPERATION
There are several ways to use the AFS but the normal and recommended
one is to use it to follow the flight plan automatically. Knowing the
position of the aircraft and the flight plan chosen by the pilot, the system
is able to compute the orders sent to the flying surfaces and the engines
so that the aircraft follows the flight plan. The pilot has an important
monitoring role.
NOTE: During AFS operation, side sticks and thrust levers do not move
automatically.
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CONTROLS
The FCU and the MCDUs let the pilots control the functions of the
FMGCs. The FAC engagement P/BSWs and the RUDder TRIM control
panel are connected to the FACs. The MCDUs are used for long-term
control of the aircraft and do the interface between the crew and the
FMGC allowing the management of the flight. The FCU is used for
short-term control of the aircraft and does the interface required for
transmission of engine data from the FMGC to the Full Authority Digital
Engine Control (FADEC).
NOTE: The FAC includes an interface between the AFS and the
Centralized Fault Display System (CFDS) called Fault Isolation
and Detection System (FIDS). This function is activated only
with FAC1 P/BSW in position 1.
OTHER SYSTEMS
The AFS is connected to the majority of the aircraft systems.
Examples of AFS data exchanges:
- reception of the aircraft altitude and attitude from the Air Data/Inertial
Reference System (ADIRS),
- transmission of autopilot orders to the ELevator and Aileron Computers
(ELACs).
FMGC
There are two interchangeable FMGCs. Each FMGC is made of two
parts: the Flight Management (FM) part and the Flight Guidance (FG)
part. The FM part gives the functions related to flight plan definition,
revision and monitoring and the FG part gives the functions related to
the aircraft control.
FAC
There are two interchangeable FACs. The basic functions of the FACs
are the rudder control and the flight envelope protection.
YAW DAMPER
The yaw damper has four functions and controls the rudder via yaw
damper actuators. Upon Flight Management and Guidance Computer
(FMGC), ELevator Aileron Computer (ELAC) or FAC orders, the yaw
damper provides:
- dutch roll damping,
- turn coordination in cruise,
- engine failure compensation in auto flight,
- yaw guidance order execution.
RUDDER TRIM
The rudder trim orders come from the RUDder TRIM selector, or from
the FMGC to control the rudder via the rudder trim actuator.
The rudder trim gives:
- the manual trim with RUD TRIM selector,
- auto trim on yaw axis and the generation of engine failure recovery
function when the autopilot is engaged.
FIDS
For maintenance purposes, the FIDS centralizes the failure information
from the various BITE of the AFS computers and provides an interface
between these BITEs and the Centralized Fault Display Interface Unit
(CFDIU). The FIDS function is only active in FAC 1.
CONTROLS
Each FAC receives inputs from its related P/BSW, the RUD TRIM
selector and the RUD TRIM RESET P/B. The RUD TRIM selector
deflects the rudder. The RESET P/B returns the rudder to the neutral
position.
DISPLAYS
Some of the data computed by the FAC is displayed:
- the characteristic speeds are displayed on the speed scale of the PFDs.
FAC GENERAL (1)
NOTE: The rudder travel limiting position is not displayed. Only its
maximum stop positions are shown on the ECAM.
CONTROLS
MANAGEMENT
GENERAL
GENERAL
The FM part mainly gives the flight plan selection with its lateral and
vertical functions. The FM part gives the navigation, performance
optimization, radio navigation tuning and information display
management. Data computed by the FM part is occasionally used by
the FG part.
MCDU
LATERAL FUNCTIONS
Basically, the MCDUs give the long-term interface between the crew
and the FMGCs.
The MCDUs show, for example:
- the introduction or the definition, the modification and the display
of flight plans,
- the display, the selection and the modification of the parameters
associated with the FM functions,
- the selection of specific functions.
FCU
VERTICAL FUNCTIONS
Basically, the FCU gives the short-term interface between the crew
and the FMGCs.
For example, the FCU can be used for:
- the engagement of the AP, Flight Director (FD) and A/THR
functions,
- the selection of required guidance modes (e.g. heading hold),
- the selection of various flight parameters (e.g. heading value).
FLIGHT PLAN
A flight plan contains the various elements and constraints of the route
the aircraft must fly along from take-off to landing. A flight plan can
be selected, built-up, modified and monitored through the MCDU.
GENERAL
The FG part gives the AP, FD and A/THR functions. These functions
work according to modes generally chosen on the FCU. The normal
way to operate the aircraft is to use the management part as reference
source for the guidance part.
AP
The AP function calculates the signals for the flight controls in order
to follow the selected modes. The AP controls the pitch, roll and yaw
axis according to the selected modes. Example of AP mode: Altitude
hold.
FD
DISPLAYS
A/THR
The A/THR function calculates the signal necessary for engine control
in order to follow a given mode.
Example of A/THR mode: Acquisition and holding of a speed or a
Mach number.
MCDU
The MCDUs display all data related to the management part. Example:
Identification of the successive waypoints of the flight plan.
FCU
The FCU is also considered as a display as it includes indication lights
and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) windows.
The FCU includes:
- lights giving mode indications,
- LCD windows showing reference parameters.
Example: During a climb with AP, the altitude window displays the
altitude the aircraft is going to capture.
PFD
The PFDs mainly display the FD symbols and the status of guidance
functions and their modes. They also display reference parameters.
Example: The target speed value is represented by a symbol on the
speed scale of the PFD.
ND
The NDs mainly display the flight plan and various navigation data.
Example: Airports or waypoints around the present position of the
aircraft.
TAKE-OFF
The AP is engaged from the Flight Control Unit (FCU) by the related
pushbuttons. AP engagement is indicated by the illumination of the AP
1 P/BSW or/and the AP 2 P/BSW (Three green bars) and by the white
"AP1", "AP2" or "AP1+ 2" indication on the top right corner of each
PFD. The AP guidance modes are selected from the FCU or the Flight
Management and Guidance Computers (FMGCs). The AP function is a
loop where, after a comparison between real and reference parameters,
the FMGC computes orders, which are sent to the flight controls. The
loop is closed by real values coming from sensors and given by other
systems (e.g. ADIRS) to the FMGCs. When the AP is engaged, the load
thresholds on the rudder pedals and the side sticks are increased. If a
pedal or side stick load threshold is overridden, the AP disengages.
The AP can be engaged in flight, provided the aircraft has been airborne
for at least 5 seconds.
MODES
There are lateral modes and vertical modes. Basically, one of each is
chosen by the pilot or by the system. The AP being engaged, one lateral
mode and one vertical mode are simultaneously active.
According to flight phases, the lateral mode controls:
- the ailerons via the ELevator Aileron Computers (ELACs),
- the spoilers via the ELACs and the Spoiler Elevator Computers (SECs),
- the rudder via the Flight Augmentation Computers (FACs),
- the nose wheel via the ELACs and the Braking/Steering Control Unit
(BSCU).
The vertical mode controls the elevators and the THS via the ELACs.
GROUND
CRUISE
In cruise, only one AP can be engaged at a time, priority given to the last
engaged. Engaging the second AP disengages the first one. The ailerons
and the spoilers execute the orders of lateral modes; the elevators and
the THS execute the orders of vertical modes.
NOTE: The rudder is controlled not by the AP but directly by the FACs.
LANDING
and PFD 2 for the F/O FD P/BSW. If a lit FD P/BSW is pressed, the
green bars go off. Pressing the P/BSW again puts the green bars on again.
A non lit FD P/BSW means that no FD symbols can be displayed on the
corresponding PFD. -FD2 is displayed on each PFD to show that no FD
symbols can be displayed on PFD 1 and FD 2 is engaged on the F/O side.
PRINCIPLE
The FD displays the Flight Management and Guidance Computer (FMGC)
guidance commands on both PFDs. In manual flight, the FD displays
guidance orders to help the pilots to apply commands on the controls in
order to follow the optimum flight path, which would be ordered by the
AP if it was engaged. When the AP is engaged, the FD helps the FMGC
demands to be checked.
The FD modes are the same as the AP modes and are selected the same
way. The FMGCs calculate AP/FD orders which are transformed into
symbols by the Display Management Computers (DMCs). There are two
types of symbols: the FD bars, the Flight Path Director (FPD) and Flight
Path Vector (FPV) symbols. The central HeaDinG-Vertical Speed
(HDG-V/S)/TRacK-Flight Path Angle (TRK-FPA) P/BSW on the FCU
makes the pilots switch between these two types of symbols.
FD PUSHBUTTONS
Upon FCU power up, in go around, or when losing the AP during the
roll out phase of the landing, the three green bars of the FD P/BSWs
come on automatically. A lit FD P/BSW means that the FD symbols can
be displayed on the corresponding PFD: PFD 1 for the CAPT FD P/BSW
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in terms of current track and FPA actually being flown. The FPV symbol
position is computed by the Air Data Inertial Reference System (ADIRS).
NOTE: The yaw bar is identical to the FD bar case and appears with
the same conditions.
FPD/FPV SYMBOLS
The FPD and the FPV symbols can be displayed provided TRK-FPA is
selected on the FCU.
NOTE: At certain system configuration changes, the FMGCs send a
command to the DMCs to make the FPD and FPV symbols
flash for 10 seconds.
AP/FD modes are correctly followed when the FPD and FPV symbols
are superimposed. The FPD symbol supplies command signals to intercept
and fly the lateral and vertical flight path as defined by the FMGCs. The
FPD symbol is removed if no guidance mode is provided by the FMGCs.
The FPV symbol represents lateral and vertical flight path information
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AUTOTHRUST DISCONNECTION
A/THR disengagement can be manual or automatic.
A/THR is manually disconnected:
- either by pressing the A/THR instinctive disconnect switch on any thrust
lever,
- or by setting all thrust levers to idle position,
- or through the dedicated FCU P/BSW,
A/THR is automatically disconnected in case of failure detection.
AUTOTHRUST ENGAGEMENT
The engagement of the A/THR function can be manual or automatic. The
A/THR is engaged manually by pressing the A/THR P/BSW on the FCU.
This is inhibited below 100 feet RA, with engines running.
The A/THR is engaged automatically:
- when the AP/Flight Director (FD) is engaged in Take-Off (TO) or Go
Around (GA) modes,
- or in flight, when the alpha-floor is detected; this is inhibited below 100
feet RA except during the 15 seconds following the lift-off.
NOTE: To effectively have A/THR on the engines, the engagement of
the A/THR is confirmed by a logic of activation in the FADEC.
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BITE
FIDS
The FIDS is a card physically located in each FAC. Both FACs are
interchangeable, but only the FAC 1 FIDS is active due to the side 1
signal. The FIDS is used as a system BITE to concentrate maintenance
information. The FIDS is linked in acquisition and reception to the CFDIU
and is connected to the BITEs of the various AFS computers. It receives
commands from the CFDIU, interprets these commands and transfers
them, if applicable, to the various BITEs concerned. It receives
malfunction reports from the BITEs, manages these reports, and, if
applicable, consolidates the BITE diagnosis (occurrence, correlation...)
and generates a fault message, which is sent to the CFDIU.
NOTE: If the FIDS fails, the BITEs continue to work and the results
can be read in the shop or after FAC 1 change.
The NORMAL mode function is the same as in other systems. In addition
to the usual system report functions, the MENU mode gives access to
GROUND SCAN, AFS TEST and LAND TEST.
FAC/FM/FG BITE
As the FAC and FG have a BITE in the CMD and the MONitor (MON)
sides, the fault analysis is generally made on each side and a synthesis
is made on the CMD side. Each BITE memorizes the result of the analysis,
the failure context, the flight leg number, the time and date of each given
failure. Then the BITE sends the result of the analysis, with a maximum
of two suspected LRUs in the order of probability, to the FIDS.
FCU BITE
Each FCU BITE computes the maintenance status of its related part and
permanently sends this maintenance data to the FG CMD part.
MCDU BITE
The MCDU does the tests on its processor, memory and display unit. If
a failure is found by the MCDU BITE:
- the FAIL annunciator comes on and the display is blank,
- the MCDU FAIL output discrete is set and sent to the FM part and then
to FG 1 and FG 2 CMD parts through the crosstalk bus.
AFS TEST
An AFS TEST is done:
- to check an AFS LRU before removal,
- to check an AFS LRU after installation,
- to get trouble shooting data (even if the test is OK).
LAND TEST
The LAND TEST gives the test availability of the LANDing mode and
equipment required to obtain CATegory 3. There are several successive
pages in which actions, checks and answers are requested from
maintenance.
PROCEDURE
AIRBUS S.A.S.
31707 BLAGNAC cedex, FRANCE
STM
REFERENCE U3T06191
MAY 2006
PRINTED IN FRANCE
AIRBUS S.A.S. 2006
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
AN EADS JOINT COMPANY
WITH BAE SYSTEMS