content_image/522392.jpg
so, the system would continuously overcorrect. Surface deflection would occur until the desired attitude is attained. But movement would still occur as the surface(s) returned to pre-error position. The attitude sensor would once again detect an error and begin the correction process all over again. Various electric feedback, or follow-up signals, are generated to progressively reduce the error message in the autopilot so that continuous over correction does not take place. This is typically done with transducers on the surface actuators or in the autopilot servo units. Feedback completes a loop as illustrated in Figure 10-111 . 

A rate system receives error signals from a rate gyro that are of a certain polarity and magnitude that cause the control surfaces to be moved. As the control surfaces counteract the error and move to correct it, follow-up signals of opposite polarity and increasing magnitude counter the error signal until the aircraft’s correct attitude is restored. A displacement follow-up system uses control surface pickups to cancel the error message when the surface has been moved to the correct position. 

## Autopilot Functions 

The following autopilot system description is presented to show the function of a simple analog autopilot. Most autopilots are far more sophisticated; however, many of the operating fundamentals are similar. 

The automatic pilot system flies the aircraft by using electrical signals developed in gyro-sensing units. These units are connected to flight instruments that indicate direction, rate of turn, bank, or pitch. If the flight attitude or magnetic heading is changed, electrical signals are developed in the gyros. These signals are sent to the autopilot computer/ amplifier and are used to control the operation of servo units. 

A servo for each of the three control channels converts electrical signals into mechanical force, which moves the control surface in response to corrective signals or pilot 

<img src='content_image/522392.jpg'>

commands. The rudder channel receives two signals that determine when and how much the rudder moves. The first signal is a course signal derived from a compass system. As long as the aircraft remains on the magnetic heading it was on when the autopilot was engaged, no signal develops. But, any deviation causes the compass system to send a signal to the rudder channel that is proportional to the angular displacement of the aircraft from the preset heading. 

The second signal received by the rudder channel is the rate signal that provides information anytime the aircraft is turning about the vertical axis. This information is provided by the turn-and-bank indicator gyro. When the aircraft attempts to turn off course, the rate gyro develops a signal proportional to the rate of turn, and the course gyro develops a signal proportional to the amount of displacement. The two signals are sent to the rudder channel of the amplifier, where they are combined, and their strength is increased. The amplified signal is then sent to the rudder servo. The servo turns the rudder in the proper direction to return the aircraft to the selected magnetic heading. 

As the rudder surface moves, a follow-up signal is developed that opposes the input signal. When the two signals are equal in magnitude, the servo stops moving. As the aircraft arrives on course, the course signal reaches a zero value, and the rudder is returned to the streamline position by the follow-up signal. 

The aileron channel receives its input signal from a transmitter located in the gyro horizon indicator. Any movement of the aircraft about its longitudinal axis causes the gyro-sensing unit to develop a signal to correct for the movement. This signal is amplified, phase detected, and sent to the aileron servo, which moves the aileron control surfaces to correct for the error. As the aileron surfaces move, a follow-up signal builds up in opposition to the input signal. When the two signals are equal in magnitude, the servo stops moving. Since the ailerons are displaced from the streamline, the aircraft now starts moving back toward level flight with the input signal becoming smaller and the follow-up signal driving the control surfaces back toward the streamline position. When the aircraft has returned to level flight roll attitude, the input signal is again zero. At the same time, the control surfaces are streamlined, and the follow-up signal is zero. 

The elevator channel circuits are similar to those of the aileron channel, with the exception that the elevator channel detects and corrects changes in pitch attitude of the aircraft. For altitude control, a remotely mounted unit containing an altitude pressure diaphragm is used. Similar to the attitude and directional gyros, the altitude unit generates error signals when the aircraft has moved from a preselected altitude. This 

