Aircraft turbine engine control systems development: Historical perspective

Abstract

This paper describes the development of aircraft turbine engine control systems from the historical point of view to the present. With the increasing emphasis on aircraft safety, enhanced performance, and affordability, as well as the need to reduce the environmental effect caused by aircraft, there are many new challenges being faced by the designers of aircraft propulsion systems. The paper provides an overview of the various technological development activities in aircraft engine control and diagnostics, both current and some accomplished in the recent past. The motivations for each of the research efforts, the research approach, technical challenges, and the key progress to date are summarized.