F/A-18 rudder question

[a-v-8er]

Hi,

Does the F/A-18 have conventional rudder controls (i.e. pedals) and are they fly-by-wire or mechanical? A fellow pilot told me they don't have any and that it's all computer controlled, but I would guess that's not the case...

Thanks

 

[F18-FDX]

AviatOR,

As you suspected, your friend is slightly misinformed. The F/A-18 has conventional rudder pedals and all the flight controls are fly-by-wire, mechanical backup only to the differential stabilators in the very rare case of a complete loss of electrical power. Multiple backups in the flight control system and 2 flight control computers. The computers do play a large role in output (i.e. rudder movement) in relation to rudder pedal input. If the pilot puts in full right rudder for example, the system will take into account airspeed, density altitude, angle of attack, yaw rate, etc. as well as other factors and will determine whether rudder or a combination of rudder, differential stabilators, ailerons and/or differential leading/trailing edge flaps is more appropriate for the aircraft's current location w/in the flight envelope. By the same token, left/right aileron input (with no rudder pedal input) may produce rudder movement because the flight control system essentially "knows what you're asking for" and will automatically give you optimum performance. A rolling-surface-to-rudder-interconnect (RSRI) helps to aid in preventing adverse yaw esp. at high speed.

Because of the fly-by-wire, the F/A-18 pilot rarely uses the rudder pedals much except for slow-speed, high angle of attack combat maneuvering where more rudder movement is available and is more effective at preventing nose slice off to one side or the other. Also obviously used in the landing configuration as required.

 

[Huggyu2]

Gotta ask: F18-FDX, did you do an exchange tour with the French? If not, how did you get time in those type aircraft? That's quite unique. What were your impressions (100 words or less )

 

[a-v-8er]

Thanks F18-FDX!

Are the Blue Angel Hornets modified in any ways if you know (flight control system)? I've heard they are the same as any other Hornet except the smoke system and a higher spring force on the stick to make formation flying easier...

 

[Nikes]

...why is the F-18 rudder canted?

Nikes

 

[F18-FDX]

The vertical tails and thus rudders are canted to optimize overall performance of the aircraft. The flight control system uses rudder "toe-in" (both rudders deflected inward) at low speed to add additional lift. Works great on deck, shortens the takeoff roll.


Huggyu,

Yep, did an exchange in France. Unfortunately I don't have time for 100 words, so I'll do less. Best kept secret out there, lotsa great cowboy flying, topless beaches, drinking and rugby - legal way to hit a French guy! Great guys to work with, fighter pilots like us, not your stereotypical frogs.

 

[Gatorman]

Blue Angels question....
It was passed on to me in the early days of F/A-18A's, I heard that the only difference between a combat F-18 and the Blue Angels's F-18 (besides the smoke) is the negative G float is in a different position. This allows the Angels to fly inverted longer.
This was as a result of one of the aircraft flying too long inverted and the aircraft loosing power to right itself and plowing into a railroad track.


..hey, that is how I heard it.