Block 1: Airframe/Hydraulics-D. Flight Control Surfaces Flashcards
What controls the several flight control surfaces on the F/A-18?
They are controlled by various computers and hydraulic servo-cylinders installed throughout the aircraft.
What surfaces are considered flight control surfaces on the F/A-18 aircraft.
The ailerons, leading edge flaps, trailing edge flaps, stabilizers, rudders, speed break, and the leading edge extension (LEX) spoiler.
What is the functionality of the ailerons?
In flight, the ailerons are commanded asymmetrically to produce roll motion. During take off and landing (with flaps switch set to half or full) they deflect symmetrically with the trailing edge flaps up to 42 degrees. Ailerons are located on the outboard trailing edge of each wing.
What is the functionality of the leading edge flaps?
When taking off or landing the leading edge flaps deflect symmetrically to change lift. In flight they deflect asymmetrically to aid the ailerons in producing roll motion. The leading edge flaps are located on the inboard and outboard leading edge of each wing.
What is the functionality of the trailing edge flaps.
When taking off or landing the leading edge flaps deflect symmetrically to change lift. In flight they independently deflect asymmetrically to aid the ailerons in producing roll motion. The trailing edge flaps are located on the trailing edge of each wing.
What is the functionality of the stabilizers?
The stabilizers deflect symmetrically to produce pitch motion and asymmetrically to produce roll motion. The stabilizers are located on either side of the tail of the aircraft.
What is the functionality of the rudders?
During takeoff or landing when the AOA is less than 8 degrees the rudders toe-in to increase lift and improve stability. When AOA is more than 8 degrees the rudders toe-out to improve stability. In flight the rudders are commanded symmetrically to produce yaw motion. The rudders are located on the rear of each vertical stabilizer.
What is the function of the speed brake?
Under certain conditions the speed brake may be extended into the air stream creating drag and slowing the aircraft’s airspeed. The speed brake is installed on F/A-18 A-D only and located on top of the aft fuselage between the vertical stabilizers.
What is the function of the leading edge extension (LEX) spoiler?
Installed only on the F/A-18E-F models, provide speed brake when commanded by pilot at airspeeds less then mach 1.5 and provides a high nose down pitch movement when transitioning from a high AOA with an aggressive nose down maneuver. LEX spoilers are installed on the left and right side of aircraft.
