Question

Why are dampers an essential element in FBW inceptors?

(a) Control aircraft stability by damping forces

(b) Acts as a low pass filter on the stick movement

(c) Provides accurate deflections

(d) To prevent aircraft to carry out critical maneuvers

This question was addressed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.

The question is from Fly-By-Wire Technology topic in portion Fly by Wire Flight Control of Avionics

Answer 1

The correct option is (b) Acts as a low pass filter on the stick movement

Easiest explanation: Without the damper, the stick would be considerably under damped because of the low friction in the mechanism and the significant mass of the hand grip. It provides a smooth feel to the stick movement; the spring–mass–damper combination acting as a low pass filter on the stick movement. These characteristics are carefully tailored to meet the consensus of pilot approval.