Jump to: Powerplant - Pressurization - EICAS - Flight controls POWERPLANT Throttle by Wire The throttle in the LP-1 is a single power lever. There are no prop or mixture controls, and the system has dual channels for redundancy. Since the throttle lever is acting on a rotary sensor, it's motion is much smoother than a throttle using a cable. There is a detent for takeoff power, as the engine develops more power than can be handled on the ground. This takeoff detent marks about 50% power, or 200HP. Another feature is that beta operation (reverse thrust) is also controlled from this single lever. When on the ground and in idle, the lever can be pulled back into the beta range. This range is spring loaded, so the throttle tends to snap forward to idle to prevent an unsafe condition. The beta range is locked out in flight by a sqwuat switch driven lockout solenoid. While the basic overview doesn't show it below, the dual channels of the throttle are isolated from each other. Constant Speed Propeller The lighten pilot workload, and increase aircraft performance, the LP-1 features an electric constant speed propeller. The system is fully automatic, by communicating with the throttle and EICAS. In the event of engine failure, the propeller automatically feathers. The ECU has sensors to prevent the propeller from feathering during commanded engine shutdowns. Jump to: Powerplant - Pressurization - EICAS - Flight controls PRESSURIZATION One of the specific features of the LP-1 is it's sea level cabin comfort up the FL290. This is unheard of in other aircraft, and presents unique requirements in the systems and design of the LP-1. Pressurization pressure is supplied from the engine normalizing system, which keeps the engine operating at sea level conditions. A single outflow valve is utilized that incorporates an internal over-pressure (Max. Diff.) relief, and defaults to a closed position to hold cabin pressure in the event of engine failure. Jump to: Powerplant - Pressurization - EICAS - Flight controls EICAS The EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System) will be a graphical color touch screen that simplifies the cockpit panel by combining a variety of displays and gauges into one display. Further details are to be released at a later date. Jump to: Powerplant - Pressurization - EICAS - Flight controls FLIGHT CONTROLS Trim The LP-1 features a 3-axis trim system, with each trim servo unit completely concealed from the airstream with no exposed pushrods or control horns, giving a very clean design. Each unit is a light, compact design, that is built up on the bench, and bolts into the control surface. Trim position is indicated on the EICAS, and can be controlled from a joystick mounted "coolie hat", and/or center pedestal mounted control head. Autopilot The trim system is also part of the autopilot system, or AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System). The basic autopilot is a attitude hold system, with controls for pitch and roll. A TCS (Touch Control Steering) button allows the aircraft to be maneuvered to a new attitude with the autopilot engaged. The flight director control head allows various navigation modes to be selected. Flight director modes: (Subject to change) TRK - Heading hold ALT - Altitude hole GPS NAV - Follow preprogrammed course GPSS - Same as GPS NAV but anticipates waypoints and steers early to provide smooth transitions V NAV and/or V GPS The above listed modes are being evaluated as aircraft navigation is currently advancing at a rapid pace. GPS is advancing to become a sole means of navigation, and the FAA has a phase out schedule for VOR and ILS systems. Flaps The flaps are a fowler type, and driven by a pushrod system from a single centrally mounted PDU (Power Drive Unit). The flap selector utilizes hall effect technology to provide high reliability not found in selectors using mechanical switches. Flap position and status are indicated on the EICAS, and also provides input to the no takeoff warning system. The system also interfaces with the trim system, to provide automatic pitch trim due to pitch moment changes from using the flaps. © Copyright 2002-2006 APK Developments. All Rights Reserved.