That started with the F-16 back in the 70s I believe. Somewhere I have
some photos of the YF-12A (I think that is what it was called), the F-16
prototype, doing some maneuvers at Langley AFB. I was working at NASA
Langley as an intern in the Flight Research group where there were
various aircraft (airplanes and helicopters) that were being tested with
that sort of control system. Having a statically-unstable aircraft
enhances its maneuverability as it really really wants to do those crazy
things a fighter pilot sometimes wants it to do!
--FT
On 8/11/16 2:39 PM, Craig via Mercedes wrote:
On Thu, 11 Aug 2016 12:29:27 -0500 Curley McLain via Mercedes
<mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote:
It is comforting, at least, to know the guys who fly the B-52s
actually fly them, and other than auto pilot, no software can fly the
beasts.
Unfortunately, the newer fighters are flown by digits, with minor
inputs allowed by the human. (but only until they are completely
robotic)
For improved performance -- particularly in roll, the center of gravity on
the newer fighters is moved backward so the plane is right on, or even a
little over the edge of instability. With this arrangement, it's almost
impossible for a person to fly the plane successfully -- it just takes
too much sensitive controlling of the ailerons, elevator, and rudder.
Craig
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--FT
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