Smart throttle



Joined: Jul 2013
Aviation Qualifications: Non-Aircrew
Posts: 5,682
Likes: 3,347
From: Everett, WA
I foresee a problem complying with 25.903(b):
With a single lever, how will you provide isolation for a failure or jam of that lever assembly?
It would also make intentional asymmetric thrust rather difficult (such as setting a malfunctioning engine at idle to provide electric and hydraulics, while actually flying the aircraft with the other)
As dixi notes, what problem are they trying to solve?
(b) Engine isolation. The powerplants must be arranged and isolated from each other to allow operation, in at least one configuration, so that the failure or malfunction of any engine, or of any system that can affect the engine, will not -
(1) Prevent the continued safe operation of the remaining engines; or
(2) Require immediate action by any crewmember for continued safe operation.
(1) Prevent the continued safe operation of the remaining engines; or
(2) Require immediate action by any crewmember for continued safe operation.
It would also make intentional asymmetric thrust rather difficult (such as setting a malfunctioning engine at idle to provide electric and hydraulics, while actually flying the aircraft with the other)
As dixi notes, what problem are they trying to solve?

Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 17
From: Delta of Venus
tdracer
On the aircraft type I used to fly there was a "sync switch" that would make one of the thrust levers the controlling one and you could move the other anywhere and it makes no difference, same principle can be applied here.
On the aircraft type I used to fly there was a "sync switch" that would make one of the thrust levers the controlling one and you could move the other anywhere and it makes no difference, same principle can be applied here.



Joined: Jul 2013
Aviation Qualifications: Non-Aircrew
Posts: 5,682
Likes: 3,347
From: Everett, WA
Yea, but that's with two levers.
What we are talking about is:
So there is nothing to separate...
What we are talking about is:
A single throttle lever that controls both engines with reverse thrust and airbrake controls integrated into the lever.



Joined: Jul 2013
Aviation Qualifications: Non-Aircrew
Posts: 5,682
Likes: 3,347
From: Everett, WA
Private jet
So, like the original implementation of MCAS
Aside from falling afoul of the regulations - in addition to the 25.903(b), there is 25.901(c) - no single failure shall result in an unsafe condition (at best, it's going to require an "Equivalent Level of Safety" finding), I fail to see any advantages aside from a slight reduction in manufacturing costs. OTOH and can see numerous drawbacks.
What problem are they trying to correct?
We moved out of caves and into buildings because it was a better solution. I fail to see how going to a single thrust lever for a twin engine aircraft is in anyway a better solution.
So, like the original implementation of MCAS

Aside from falling afoul of the regulations - in addition to the 25.903(b), there is 25.901(c) - no single failure shall result in an unsafe condition (at best, it's going to require an "Equivalent Level of Safety" finding), I fail to see any advantages aside from a slight reduction in manufacturing costs. OTOH and can see numerous drawbacks.
What problem are they trying to correct?
We moved out of caves and into buildings because it was a better solution. I fail to see how going to a single thrust lever for a twin engine aircraft is in anyway a better solution.

Joined: Mar 2005
Aviation Qualifications: Military
Posts: 6,563
Likes: 953
From: Aus
Dassault have experience with the system through the same set up in the Rafale fighter. Details are elusive, other than this comment from a pilot report.
Taxi speed is easily controlled, because the residual ground thrust is limited by keeping both "mini-throttles" (acting as low-pressure cocks) in the "idle" position before setting them to "normal" for take-off

Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 135
Likes: 103
From: Apple Maggot Quarantine Area
Check Airman
Kegworth is the first thing that comes to mind. We'll be at the pilot+dog cockpit team before you know it. Touch a flight control, that mutt will bite you HARD.
Further details on the implementation here. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-n...-autothrottles
Kegworth is the first thing that comes to mind. We'll be at the pilot+dog cockpit team before you know it. Touch a flight control, that mutt will bite you HARD.
Further details on the implementation here. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-n...-autothrottles
Eidolon

Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 62
From: Some hole
tdracer
The single lever will be the primary method to control the thrust in normal operations, there are secondary controls which will enable individual controls in non normal situations, it will also feature the auto recovery to straight and level like the Avidyne DFC90 autopilot.
The single lever will be the primary method to control the thrust in normal operations, there are secondary controls which will enable individual controls in non normal situations, it will also feature the auto recovery to straight and level like the Avidyne DFC90 autopilot.




