How are joysticks 'powered' in gliders?

Actually, It's an interesting question. Some gliders have very short
sticks and light control forces (almost any current racing glider comes
to mind), while some have long sticks and heavier forces (Blaniks,
Larks, and 2-33s come to mind).

There have been gliders with small sidesticks (original Zuni, HP-18,
Monerai) but sidesticks have not really caught on - probably because
they make it really hard to fly left (or both) handed - which can be
useful during some cockpit chores.

The problem with a real short sidestick is the motion becomes a bit
awkward, especially in pitch, while with a longer stick the arm can be
rested on the pilot's leg and precise control is easy.

I think non-flyers may think aircraft need powered controls just as
cars need power steering and brakes, forgetting that cars used to be
available without either (VW Beetle, anyone?).

And surprisingly large aircraft fly perfectly well with manual controls
(albeit usually with wheels and lots of control motion, and often the
rudder is boosted) - For example, Boeing 707s (I've flown the KC-135
and it is surprisingly easy to maneuver), all WW2 bombers, even the
Spruce Goose, I believe.

Control wheels in small airplanes are abominations, mainly there to
make the spamcan seem either like a car (Arrgh!) or a DC-3. How manly.
Note that the new crop of lightplanes have more sticks in them -
including sidesticks, which open up the cockpit a lot. Also, the trend
in large military (B-1, C-17) and commercial fly-by-wire planes is also
to sticks, since the leverage provided by a wheel is no longer
required. Boeing is an exception in it's commercial designs - the 777
could have used a stick. It will be interesting to see if the 787
keeps a wheel, now that the B-1 and C-17 are Boeing planes.

Lots of neat technology (and some magic) involved in the design of
aircraft flight controls - especially ailerons.

Kirk

wrote:

There have been gliders with small sidesticks (original Zuni, HP-18,
Monerai) but sidesticks have not really caught on - probably because
they make it really hard to fly left (or both) handed - which can be
useful during some cockpit chores.
Note that some newer designs do feature sidesticks though, the Diana 2 being
one of them. It's not a dead concept.

The problem with a real short sidestick is the motion becomes a bit
awkward, especially in pitch, while with a longer stick the arm can be
rested on the pilot's leg and precise control is easy.
I have never flown one, but can't you rest your hand on the side just as
well?

Control wheels in small airplanes are abominations, mainly there to
make the spamcan seem either like a car (Arrgh!) or a DC-3. How manly.
Note that the new crop of lightplanes have more sticks in them -
including sidesticks, which open up the cockpit a lot. Also, the trend
in large military (B-1, C-17) and commercial fly-by-wire planes is also
to sticks, since the leverage provided by a wheel is no longer
required. Boeing is an exception in it's commercial designs - the 777
could have used a stick. It will be interesting to see if the 787
keeps a wheel, now that the B-1 and C-17 are Boeing planes.
Airbus uses only sidesticks nowadays, I believe. There also have been
cardesigns using sidesticks, but they are not allowed (here) because of
regulations that forbid "drive by wire" somehow.

André

Andre,

It would be interesting to hear from the Diana designers why they chose
the sidestick. You are correct about Airbus, of course.

As far as using a short sidestick, try resting your forearm on your
desk, and pretend you are holding a sidestick. Simulate moving the
"stick" in pitch and roll. You will find that it is hard to get much
motion in pitch (especially back) when your arm is resting on
something. Roll is OK, but it's harder to roll right than left (using
the right hand). The solution on fly-by-wire planes such as the F-16
is to use a force-sensing stick, so there is little motion of the
stick. I think Airbus is similar. I've flown a bit in F-16s, and
really like it; very responsive and natural. Have not flown any manual
sidesticks so I'm neutral on them. I do like the short center stick on
my LS6 - I often fly with my left hand while entering data in my GPS,
and at high speeds/low altitudes (contest finish) usually have both
hands on the stick to prevent PIO's.

Kirk