Ka-50 and Fly by Wire systems

[Esac_mirmidon]

Hi to all.

 

I have a question about flight control systems in the Ka-50. I suppose that the 50´s don´t have a FBW system but i need some clarification about that. Is the Ka-50 a FBW helicopter?

 

This is because i barely cant find the difference between a FBW and the "dampers" in the Ka-50. A FBW, roughly explained, flies the aircraft instead of the direct control by the pilot. The pilot makes inputs or control demands with the flight controls and the FBW system read this inputs and electronically translate it over the flying surfaces.

 

In the Ka-50, with the three channel stabilization system on, is very similar. The pilot made his inputs in the cyclic and the autopilot system translate this inputs into a more soft, dampered movements using the computers complex to do so.

 

Could someone extends about that? If the Ka-50 is not a FBW one ( i think so ) what is the main difference between FBW and the auto flight control system of the Kamov?

 

Thanks.

[AlphaOneSix]

In a FBW system, the controls in the cockpit are not mechanically linked to the control surfaces. All inputs to the controls go to a controlling computer, which interprets and translates and send signals to the control surfaces.

 

The Ka-50's flight controls are directly (mechanically) linked to the servos that control the rotors, so it it absolutely not FBW. The autopilot is ALSO connected to the servos, but only has 20% authority. In an FBW system, the computer has 100% authority, as there is no mechanical connection from the flight controls to the servos/control surfaces.

[RvETito]

In FBW system you have a "negotiating" computer between the flight controls in the cockpit and the control surfaces/rods. This cimputer has full authority over the aircraft. In Ka-50 there is mechanical linkage from the controls to the servo actuators with full (manual) authority. The AP input works together with the pilot's input but it's given 20% authority (read operation range of the actuator).

 

Again, 1 min slower :D

[Esac_mirmidon]

Thanks mates. Maybe both of you could link together into the "Dobble A Team " A-irtito and A-lphaoneSix. Masters in mastering. XDDD

 

Now is very clear.

[AlphaOneSix]

I defer to AirTito in anything relating to the Ka-50 specifically or Kamov aircraft in general. If you ever see the two of us disagree on something regarding the Ka-50, he's right, I'm wrong. This situation may reverse when it's time for the AH-64A module. ;)

[ericinexile]

And I can say from experience that I really, really don't like ever flying with the 64's FBW system engaged. She'll fly, don't get me wrong, but now you're not so much flying as you're manhandling 18,000 lbs of freaking metal. Good times, good times.

 

Brad

 

Brad,

 

Is it optional for you guys operationally? The only FBW experience I have is with the A320 and it was completely verboten to turn any FCCs off unless things go awry--really awry.

 

Smokin' Hole

[AlphaOneSix]

The -64 has a backup control system (BUCS) that essentially converts the aircraft to fly-by-wire in the event your mechanical linkages are damaged in combat. They can be turned on manually for testing or training, but is not something that pilots are happy about turning on for fun.

[RvETito]

I'll keep my mouth shut when it comes to the Apache. I only know in what direction it's rotor is spinning :)