Abstract:The aircraft control surfaces, which generate the necessary control forces to maintain controlled flight, are
highly susceptible to damage in combat situations. Conducting damage assessment of aircraft control surfaces is critical
for accurate damage evaluation of aircraft targets, reducing the vulnerability of the entire aircraft, and enhancing the
aircraft’s battlefield survivability. This paper has reviewed the basic aspects of aircraft control surface damage
assessment and summarized the research framework from four aspects: damage assessment targets, damage mode
analysis, low-vulnerability design, and stability augmentation control algorithms. Then six key technologies used in
control surface damage assessment were analyzed. Based on the above findings, considering the demands for high
survivability design of future aircraft and the need for rapid and accurate damage assessment technology, combined with
advanced technological development trends, this paper revealed the issues that require attention and urgent solutions
from the perspective of functional damage.