On 5 Nov 2003 05:56:22 -0800, (Andy Durbin)
wrote:


NASA followed up with a test using a modified MD-11. The FADEC
control laws were changed to allow much greater authority in engine
trim and the Flight Control Computer (FCC) software was modified to
control pitch and roll with FADEC thrust commands. (On an MD-11 a
single autothrottle servo drives all engines in parallel but the FCC
to FADEC interface provides independent thrust trim to each engine)

The program demonstrated that it was possible to control the aircraft
in pitch and roll with thrust only using normal inputs from the
autopilot mode control panel. Several approaches were made I think at
least one sucessful landing was demonstrated. (I was only involved
with the lab test and never saw the flight test reports).

You are correct - these tests followed the 232 accident and proved
that custom FCC modes indeed allow a safe landing by engine control
only. Without FCC inut it was not possible to damp the phugoide (sp).

Bye
Andreas