Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Williams, Walter C..
The historical events that led to the development of the X-15 research aircraft are presented. Some of the topics presented include: (1) manned airplane performance regions; (2) X-15 flight problems; (3) design characteristics for conceptual aircraft; (4) analysis of X-15 accident potential; (5) X-15 performance requirements; and (6) milestones in the development of the X-15.
Tests were made to determine whether spring-tab ailerons tended to oscillate or flutter in speed ranges up to 400 mph. Flight tests showed spring-tab ailerons had desirable light stick forces and no tendency to overbalance. No flutter tendencies were indicated up to 400 mph, and any oscillations following abrupt control deflections were heavily damped. Recommendations were made for modifications to increase aileron effectiveness at low speeds without affecting lateral control at high speeds by increasing available deflection and modifying spring-tab arrangement.