Forum: F-16 Design & Construction

Could anybody write about the engine control switch? How it works, what it function is.

I haven't found information from this switch on the net.

Thank's
Shadow

F-16.net Sponsor

It depends on the motor as far as the exact technicalities. In a nutshell it manually puts the engine into SEC mode. By this I mean that the enigne can and will do it on its own if it feels the need. Essentially, SEC takes the DEC or DEEC (again engine specific) out of the loop along with a few other quirks.

When would I do it? In the GE I'd do it for a restart. I'd also do it if the motor was surging or doing other goofy things, which happens more than you might think. Ever get the 'blue screen of death' on your computer? The motor can do that and you can force it back to ATARI-2600 land by selecting SEC.

I'm sure that someone wanting to extole their systems knowledge will soon contribute to the thread about how the nozzle fuel-pressure controls will then be operated by such-and-such, but that's the engine control sw in a nutshell.

DEC and DEEC I know, and I've read about SEC - but what does it stand for? Secondary Engine Controller?

Probably. Who cares? Smile

I think that's what it stands for though. Either controller or control.

habu2 wrote:

DEC and DEEC I know, and I've read about SEC - but what does it stand for? Secondary Engine Controller?

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SEC is another mode of Engine operation (GE-129 has 4), like a back-up. This is where the "throttle cable" issue comes into play, if you (or Habu 1) remember that thread. It is connected to the MEC (Mechanical Engine Cont.) for GE's, and provides secondary control in the event of DEC fail, or other engine related anomaly required the bypass of the DEC. In that event, direct PLA is that of the MEC.

Also, who is this shadow guy? Is it me or do most of the questions seem suspicious?

Mikie V

They seem suspicious because english is not his first language.

From a pilots standpoint, I'll say it again. SEC fixes a sick motor sometimes. If it doesn't, leave. Beyond that I don't care.

STBYGAIN wrote:

From a pilots standpoint, I'll say it again. SEC fixes a sick motor sometimes. If it doesn't, leave. Beyond that I don't care.

Dat STBYGAIN ain't much on dat fancy gizmo talk, but dat boy sure can fly Twisted Evil

Forum Veteran Joined: Nov 07, 2003 - 09:12 PM Posts: 901

Just to add on from Raptor's response, SEC, the Secondary Mode, is also known as the Hydromechanical Mode. I believe some pilots even call this the "go home" Mode.

cheers, Very Happy

Just guessing, but shadow is probably a Falcon 4 flight simmer. Anyone with a real need to know would just ask their instructor or look it up in the -1. Those of us who do know the answers should also be smart enough to know what is (or is not) a proper reply in this (public) forum.

shadow, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

I see, flight sim, but I am guessing they come with manuals of some sort.

Not that I've seen it here yet, but I have seen sensitive info posting to other sites! There are some specifics that are still classified or sensitive that gets danced around from time to time. Just heads up for guys, that's all.

Mike V

SEC mode - stands for secondary mode. There is primary and secondary mode. I've only worked Pratts but this is how the switch works. The switch will send a direct signal to the Main Fuel Control (MFC). The MFC will take total control of the of the engine. Fuel pressure will manually close the nozzle, close the Compressor Inlet Variable Vanes, and turn off the Augmentor Fuel Control. The MFC in SEC mode only uses PT2 (inlet) pressure, TT2 (inlet) tempature, and PLA to control the engine. the DEEC will still monitor the engine however it will not control any aspect of how the engine runs. Sec mode is only good for about 80% of max thrust. (enough to get the pilot home)

NORM: Super-tuned, efficient, constantly self-adjusting thing of marvel.

SEC: SUCK, SQUEEZE, BANG, BLOW.

Cylon

ViperEnforcer, most sims start with you in the cockpit at EOR. F4 didn't have the startup procedure but the third party market came up with a really good 'tutorial'.

First post of a newbie...so be gentle! Razz

All this chitchat is great for you folks raised in the digital age. How many here remember the EEC/BUC switch in the OOOLLLDDDD A-models? You know...the ones with the -200 motors? Whenever we ran airstarts in the WSTs you'd get at least one, maybe two BUC restart overtemps. Drove 'em nuts! Laughing

LinkF-16SimDude, can't miss that callsign - UTDs or WSTs? Bing or Tejas? Wink

Forum: F-16 Design & Construction

Engine Control Switch