YF-17 Ground Testing and Simulation

The flight control test stand (FCTS) is one of the engineering tools used in the flight control system development of the Northrop YF-17 airplane. The FCTS is a functional simulator of the airplane involving mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic systems. The systems are the same as those used on the airplane. In its fundamental mode, the FCTS is used to qualify and life-test the flight control system. In its ancillary mode, it is used as a fixed-base simulator to investigate flight control system performance and as a tes.t bed for control system modifications. This paper describes the FCTS and its use in the testing and qualification of the YF-17 flight control system. The application of the FCTS in the system development of the Control Augmentation System and, in particular, the failure management system is discussed. Examples are presented of the supporting role played by the FCTS during the flight test development of the YF-17 prototype airplane.