Yakovlev has completed the development of algorithms for the new autopilot system for its regional jets Superjet SJ-100. Specialists from PJSC Yakovlev, in collaboration with professionals from the Moscow Institute of Electromechanics and Automation, both part of the state manufacturer, worked on the new Automatic Control System (ACS).
The ACS provides automatic and director flight control, as well as an autothrottle system, which are key components for the automation of the SJ-100. The new development will be implemented as part of the integrated control system (ICS).
The algorithms created are similar to those used in modern passenger aircraft. This will enable tasks such as director control during takeoff and fully automatic control in all other phases of flight.
The chief designer of the SJ-100, Kirill Kuznetsov, stated that «we have successfully conducted preliminary tests of the ACS integrated into the Electronic Bird integration test bench with the participation of engineers and test pilots. The next stage is to install the system on the aircraft and conduct refinement flight tests and certification.»
New ILS Category III-B
The new autopilot system for the SJ-100 will have the capability to perform automatic landings under CAT III-B category. This algorithm will allow the aircraft to land safely under low-visibility conditions, with a cloud ceiling of less than 50 feet (15 meters) and a visual range of between 50 and 200 meters.
As part of the SJ-100 aircraft certification, Yakovlev specialists are conducting statistical modeling of automatic landings using mathematical data from CATIIIA and CATIIIB categories. During the development phase, over 2 million landings will be simulated with randomly distributed initial conditions. The modeling should confirm that the automatic landing algorithms meet the requirements established in Aviation Regulations.
According to data obtained by Aviacionline through Cirium Fleets, there are currently 160 SJ-100 aircraft in service, the vast majority operated by Russian airlines. Only three are in service with the government of Thailand, two with Kazakhstan, and one with Azerbaijan.
