Abstract: A variable gradient control stick force feel adjustment system for use in aircraft is disclosed. A gradient actuator is operationally coupled to at least one spring cartridge assembly in order to move the pivot point of the spring cartridge assembly with respect to the aircraft's directional hardware so that the tension of at least one manual control stick onboard the aircraft can be adjusted. At least one operational parameter input is provided to the gradient actuator from at least one of the aircraft's onboard control devices in order to effect a change in pivot point for the spring cartridge assembly.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 6, 1999
Date of Patent:
July 3, 2001
Assignee:
Bell Helicopter TEXTRON Inc.
Inventors:
Carlos Alexander Fenny, Peter Marcus Shultz