Modeling Pilot Control Behavior with Sudden Changes in Vehicle Dynamics

A pursuit tracking model of the human pilot adapting to sudden changes in vehicle dynamics is developed and exercised. The current model is based upon a simplified representation of the human pilot in multi-axis tasks previously reported in the literature. A key feature of the adaptive model is the simplicity afforded by only varying two gain parameters in each control loop to accommodate pilot adaptation. The model is first exercised in a single-loop task in which the controlled element dynamics are changed from rate command to acceleration command (with time delay), back to rate command, and finally, to position command. A second example applies the model to a simple two-axis task (two control inceptors) in which the controlled element dynamics in both control loops are changed simultaneously. The model employed for sudden changes in vehicle dynamics is also applied to a single-axis task in which the controlled element dynamics change gradually over a 10 s period. Finally, longitudinal control of a simplified model of a fighter aircraft undergoing sudden damage is considered.