Following the successful completion of a Phase 2 in-flight evaluation program, a prototype SAFE-Cue system will be ready to transition into a commercially viable product. For other government agencies, specifically the Department of Defense, the SAFE-Cue system will have high-value due to its potential to reduce loss-of-control accidents in the more extreme military operational environment. This includes the F-35 (all three variants), V-22 tilt-rotor, C-17 military airlifter, and the CH-53K helicopter. The F-35 and the forthcoming CH-53K both feature active pilot inceptors and are thus SAFE-Cue ready with this important technology piece in place. Regarding commercial aviation, the system will be particularly applicable to aircraft with modern FBW flight control systems. Initially, it will be targeted for use in the commercial aircraft fleet where it can add a significantly increased level of safety at a reasonable incremental cost.
The SAFE-Cue directly addresses a concern of the Integrated Resilient Aircraft Control topic under NASA's Aviation Safety Program to prevent pilot-vehicle system loss of control in the presence of an active adaptive control system. A successful Phase 2 will produce a prototype SAFE-Cue system that will alert the pilot regarding flight control system adaptations due to failures/damage and constrain the pilot via active inceptor force feedback and command path gain attenuation as a means to mitigate loss-of-control. While the SAFE-Cue system is designed to work with adaptive systems, the concept is general and has application to any flight control system. The interest in preventing loss-of-control is based on a very real problem that has caused loss of life and property throughout the history of flight. This system can be applied to NASA fixed wing and rotorcraft to provide an enhanced level of safety to NASA's flight test activities.
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