Intelligent Flight Control System

I was checking out the Dryden Research Page, and came across this. This sounds rather interesting.

Major control surface or system failures negate an aircraft flight control system's design assumptions, rendering the predefined fixed control system virtually worthless. The IFCS team has integrated innovative neural network technologies with state-of-the-art control algorithms and propulsion control concepts to correctly identify and respond to changes in aircraft stability and control characteristics, and immediately adjust to maintain the best possible flight performance during an unexpected failure. The adaptive neural network software "learns" the new flight characteristics, onboard and in real time, thereby helping the pilot to maintain or regain control and prevent a potentially catastrophic aircraft accident.

www.nasa.gov...