AutoFCS and reality (Shuttle)

[george7378]

Hi all,

I have recently started using AutoFCS for my Shuttle re-entries, and I am wondering how close to the real autopilots it is (in terms of activities performed by the autopilot and crew). I start using it for the de-orbit burn, and it relinquishes control to me on finals.

It seems to be realistic, as the re-entries are muc less demanding on the ship, with only a couple of short firebursts being emitted, rather than my usual 'fireball' re-entries.

"Should" I be doing more, or is the workload accurate?

 

[garyw]

Watch an entry on NASA TV. The CDR normally takes control and flies the HAC and landing manually. That's it.

 

[andysim]

i usualy take over at 80K ft and fly the HAC on the GPC MFD. Ive done some re-entrys with SSM2007 and Ive noticed AutoFCS in orbiter does tend to bank into role reversals a bit faster. All in all I think auto FCS is pretty good and follows the ops 3 display and never goes over energy or under.

 

[n72.75]

Watch the descent on GPCMFD, it follows the likes very accurately.