STOVL Integrated Flight and Propulsion Control: Current Successes and Remaining Challenges

This paper will focus in the area of Integrated Flight and Propulsion Control development issues and challenges that were addressed during the Concept Demonstration Phase of the Joint Strike Fighter Program. The JSF program is developing a family of vehicles using a performance -based specification as opposed to traditional flying qualities specification requirements. A review of this procurement philosophy along with the strengths and weaknesses of this process will be explored. Also, large strides were accomplished in Advanced STOVL Control concepts, modeling of both propulsion system and it’s interaction on the airframe aerodynamics, which affect the control of the vehicle. This paper will highlight successes in these areas as well as discuss where there are avenues for future investigations and research.