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At least 469 records · Page 26

Acoustic and aerodynamic performance of a 1.83-meter (6-ft) diameter 1.25-pressure-ratio fan (QF-8)

A 1.25-pressure-ratio 1.83-meter (6-ft) tip diameter experimental fan stage with characteristics suitable for engine application on STOL aircraft was tested for acoustic and aerodynamic performance. The design incorporated proven features for low noise, including absence of inlet guide vanes, low rotor blade tip speed, low aerodynamic blade loading, and long axial spacing between the rotor and stator blade rows. The fan was operated with five exhaust nozzle areas. The stage noise levels generally increased with a decrease in nozzle area. Separation of the acoustic one-third octave results into broadband and pure-tone components showed the broadband noise to be greater than the corresponding pure-tone components. The sideline perceived noise was highest in the rear quadrants. The acoustic results of QF-8 were compared with those of two similar STOL application fans in the test series. The QF-8 had somewhat higher relative noise levels than those of the other two fans. The aerodynamic results of QF-8 and the other two fans were compared with corresponding results from 50.8-cm (20-in.) diam scale models of these fans and design values. Although the results for the full-scale and scale models of the other two fans were in reasonable agreement for each design, the full-scale fan QF-8 results showed poor performance compared with corresponding model results and design expectations. Facility effects of the full-scale fan QF-8 installation were considered in analyzing this discrepancy.

Woodward, R. P.↗

Review of NASA short-haul studies

The paper summarizes the results of NASA-conducted technological and economic studies of low, medium, and high density short-haul transportation systems. Aircraft concepts considered included CTOL, RTOL, STOL, and general aviation aircraft. For low density systems, it was found that viable air service becomes possible if city pairs are at least 100 km apart and a two-way total travel demand of at least 200 daily passengers exists. Currently available aircraft were found suitable. The medium-density study showed that a 60-passenger twin engine turbofan was the best suited aircraft. For high density systems, STOL appears to be an economically viable means of reducing noise and congestion at major hub airports. Adequate runways 914 m in length or greater either already exist or could be added to most existing major hub airports.

Kenyon, G. C.↗

Study of an aircraft decoupled longitudinal control system for approach and landing

A series of ground-based and in-flight simulation studies of the application of steady-state decoupled longitudinal controls to a short take-off and landing (STOL) transport have been made. The externally blown flap STOL was selected for study because it was considered to be a worst-case situation from the control viewpoint. The decoupled longitudinal control system used constant prefilter and feedback gains to provide independent control of flight-path angle, pitch angle, and forward velocity during landing approach. The decoupled controls were compared to a more conventional stability augmentation system. The pilots were enthusiastic about the decoupled controls; the pilot workload was reduced and the landing performance significantly improved. The benefit of the decoupled controls was more dramatic during in-flight simulation using a variable stability airplane than was the case with either fixed- or moving-base, ground-based simulators.

Miller, G. K., Jr.↗

The development of advanced automatic flare and decrab for powered lift short haul aircraft using a microwave landing system

Advanced automatic flare and decrab control laws were developed for future powered lift STOL aircraft using the NASA-C-8A augmentor wing vehicle as the aircraft model. The longitudinal control laws utilize the throttle for flight path control and use the direct lift augmentor flap chokes for flight path augmentation. The elevator is used to control airspeed during the approach phase and to enhance path control during the flare. The forward slip maneuver was selected over the flat decrab technique for runway alignment because it can effectively handle the large crab angles obtained at STOL approach speeds. Performance evaluation of selected system configurations were obtained over the total landing environment. Limitations were defined and critical failure modes assessed. Pilot display concepts are discussed.

Gevaert, G.↗

Real-time manned simulation of advanced terminal area guidance concepts for short-haul operations

A real-time simulation was conducted of three-dimensional area navigation and four-dimensional area navigation equipped (STOL) aircraft operating in a high-density terminal area traffic environment. The objectives were to examine the effects of 3D RNAV and 4D RNAV equipped aircraft on the terminal area traffic efficiency, and to examine the performance of an air traffic control system concept and associated controller display proposed for use with advanced RNAV systems. Three types of STOL aircraft were simulated each with different performance capabilities. System performance was measured in both the 4D mode and in a 3D mode; the 3D mode, used as a baseline, was simply the 4D mode less any time specification. The results show that communications workload in the 4D mode was reduced by about 35 percent compared to the 3D, while 35 percent more traffic was handled with the 4D. Aircraft holding time in the 4D mode was only 30 percent of that required in the 3D mode. In addition, the orderliness of traffic was improved significantly in the 4D mode.

Tobias, L.↗

V/STOL Conference, Palo Alto, Calif., June 6-8, 1977, Technical Papers

Papers are presented on practical aspects of commercial STOL operations, a Vertical Attitude Takeoff and Landing (VATOL) program, powered-lift STOL ground effects, conceptual design studies of Navy Type A V/STOL aircraft, and a V/STOL shaft propulsion system analytical performance model. Also considered are the management of swirling flows with application to wind tunnel design and V/STOL testing, flight control testing of the VAK-191B, and surface fluctuating pressure measurements on a 1/4-scale YC-14 boilerplate model.

Source record↗

Handling qualities of aircraft in the presence of simulated turbulence

A previous paper (1977) has presented results from flight simulator experiments on instrument-flight-rule handling-quality studies of a STOL-type aircraft in the presence of various models of simulated turbulence (Gaussian, modified Gaussian, Rayleigh, and variable length and intensity, VLI). In this paper, additional results are presented for flight simulator experiments on visual-flight-rule approach landings of a STOL-type aircraft. Pilot opinion ratings of the landing approach with visual display are analyzed to determine the most realistic turbulence model and to identify the variables that critically affect the handling quality of aircraft in turbulence. It is shown that turbulence simulated by a VLI model adequately match the desired statistical properties of real atmospheric turbulence, and that aircraft handling quality and pilot task performance are critically affected by turbulence. Realistic turbulence models present greater difficulty in controlling the aircraft than a simple Gaussian model.

Jacobson, I. D.↗

Some aspects of powerplant airframe integration affecting fuel conservation

The performance criteria for STOL transport aircraft place many constraints on engineering design, which, in turn, may have a direct bearing on fuel efficiency: these constraints become even more severe with the introduction of powered-lift for turbofan aircraft. Consideration is given to some aspects of performance and design which arise as a result of powerplant/airframe integration and an attempt is made to assess these factors in terms of transport fuel efficiency. The drag polars of various powered lift concepts are analyzed to determine the installed thrust/weight required and a simple method of relating this to fuel efficiency is suggested. Some other factors have been identified as being important to this aspect of design and these are discussed in more general terms. Finally, special consideration is given to recent Canadian research in the realm of supercritical airfoil technology as applied to an multi-foil section which could be utilized both for the STOL regime of flight and for cruise at transonic speeds.

Farbridge, J. E.↗

A nonlinear trajectory command generator for a digital flight-control system

Operational application of the command generator (CG) was examined in detail in a simulation of a flight control system with the augmentor wing jet STOL research aircraft. The basic repertoire of single axis maneuvers and operational constraints are discussed, and the system behavior is tested on a rigorous STOL approach path and as affected by various approximations in the CG synthesis and types of disturbances found in the operational environment. The simulation results indicate that a satisfactory nonlinear system with general maneuvering capabilities throughout the flight envelope was developed which satisfies the basic design objectives while maintaining a practicable degree of simplicity.

Cicolani, L. S.↗

Wind-tunnel investigation of highly maneuverable supersonic V/STOL fighter

Results from the initial wind-tunnel test of a large-scale, highly maneuverable supersonic V/STOL fighter model in the Ames 40- by 80-foot wind tunnel are summarized. The STOL configuration which was tested combined upper surface blowing and spanwise blowing to improve the lift characteristics over a wide angle-of-attack range. A close-coupled canard was added to this configuration to create a highly maneuverable STOL aircraft. The 7.28 m (24 ft) span model was powered by two J-97 turbojet engines, each producing 9340 N (2200 lb) thrust at a pressure ratio of 2. With the nozzle flap and aileron set at 30 deg, the model produced lift coefficients greater than 4. The model was longitudinally unstable because of the forward canard position and because of the large body area of fuselage, strake, and nacelles forward of the center of gravity.

Falarski, M. D.↗

NASA overview

The history of NASA efforts at Ames Research Center in researching the performance and application of thrusting augmentors is reviewed. Current objectives include: (1) parametric description of thrust augmentor application to STOL and V/STOL; (2) the use of theoretical and empirical data; (3) aircraft-augmentor integration; and (4) key design considerations for STOL transport and V/STOL fighter aircraft. Test facilities are described and ejector development and performance are assessed.

Koenig, D. G.↗

Analysis of fuel-conservative curved decelerating approach trajectories for powered-lift and CTOL jet aircraft

A method for determining fuel conservative terminal approaches that include changes in altitude, speed, and heading are described. Three different guidance system concepts for STOL aircraft were evaluated in flight: (1) a fixed trajectory system; (2) a system that included a fixed path and a real time synthesized capture flight path; and (3) a trajectory synthesizing system. Simulation results for the augmentor wing jet STOL research aircraft and for the Boeing 727 aircraft are discussed. The results indicate that for minimum fuel consumption, two guidance deceleration segments are required.

Neuman, F.↗

The Quiet Short-Haul Research Aircraft /QSRA/

The Quiet Short-Haul Research Aircraft (QSRA), designed to expand the technology base of the upper-surface blowing propulsive-lift principle in order to establish criteria for the U.S. aircraft industry and for advanced STOL aircraft, is considered. The aircraft, which includes a three-axis, single channel, limited authority series type stability augmentation system, and a high-speed data system is described. Also discussed are STOL and acoustic performance, and handling qualities, particularly thrust effects. The QSRA has demonstrated its ability, even with the critical engine inoperative, to approach at 66 knots (wing loading of 83 lb/sq ft) and on a 9 degree glidepath; to maneuver in a 700-ft radius turn, and to land in an FAA field length of 1450 ft (over a 35-ft obstacle).

Martin, J. L.↗

Recent Progress in V/STOL Aircraft Technology

Results from wind tunnel and flight tests investigations for V/STOL aircraft are reviewed. Primary emphasis is given to technical results relating to three types of subsonic aircraft: a quiet STOL aircraft; a tilt rotor aircraft; and a turbofan V/STOL aircraft. Comparison and correlation between theoretical and experimental results and between wind tunnel and flight test results, is made. The quiet STOL aircraft technology results are primarily those derived from the NASA/Boeing Quiet Short Haul Technology (QSRA) program. The QSRA aircraft uses an upper surface blown flap and develops a usable engine-out landing approach lift coefficient of 5.5 and landing distances less than 1,000 ft. The tilt rotor aircraft technology results are those obtained from the NASA/Army/Navy/Bell (XV-15-TRRA) aircraft flight investigations. The TRRA is a twin rotor research aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing and cruise speeds of 300 knots. The turbofan V/STOL aircraft technology results are from static ground facility and wind tunnel investigations of a NASA/NAVY/Grumman full scale lift/cruise fan aircraft model, which features two tilting nacelles with TF-34 engines.

Roberts, L.↗

Recent progress in V/STOL aircraft technology

Recent results from wind-tunnel and flight-tests investigations for V/STOL aircraft were reviewed. Primary emphasis is given to technical results relating to three types of subsonic aircraft: a quiet STOL aircraft; a tilt rotor aircraft, and a turbofan V/STOL aircraft. Comparison and correlation between theoretical and experimental results, and between wind-tunnel and flight-test results, is made. The quiet STOL aircraft technology results are primarily those derived from the NASA/Boeing Quiet Short Haul Aircraft (QSRA) program. The tilt rotor aircraft technology results are those obtained from the NASA/Army/Navy/Bell (XV-15-TRRA) aircraft flight investigations. The turbofan V/STOL aircraft technology results are from static ground facility and wind-tunnel investigations of a NASA/Navy/Grumman full-scale lift/cruise fan aircraft model, which features two tilting nacelles with TF-34 engines.

Roberts, L.↗

Application of Nonlinear Systems Inverses to Automatic Flight Control Design: System Concepts and Flight Evaluations

A practical method for the design of automatic flight control systems for aircraft with complex characteristics and operational requirements, such as the powered lift STOL and V/STOL configurations, is presented. The method is effective for a large class of dynamic systems requiring multi-axis control which have highly coupled nonlinearities, redundant controls, and complex multidimensional operational envelopes. It exploits the concept of inverse dynamic systems, and an algorithm for the construction of inverse is given. A hierarchic structure for the total control logic with inverses is presented. The method is illustrated with an application to the Augmentor Wing Jet STOL Research Aircraft equipped with a digital flight control system. Results of flight evaluation of the control concept on this aircraft are presented.

Meyer, G.↗

Recent progress in VSTOL technology

Progress in vertical and short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft technology, in particular, during the 1970 to 1980 period at Ames Research Center is discussed. Although only two kinds of V/STOL aircraft (the helicopter and the British direct lift Harrier) have achieved operational maturity, understanding of the technology has vastly improved during this 10 year period. To pursue an aggressive R and D program at a reasonable cost, it was decided to conduct extensive large scale testing in wind tunnel and flight simulation facilities, to develop low cost research aircraft using modified airframes or engines, and to involve other agencies and industry contractors in joint technical and funding arrangements. The STOL investigations include exploring STOL performance using the rotating cylinder flap concept, the augmentor wing, upon initiation of the Quiet Short Haul Research Aircraft program, the upper surface blown flap concept. The VTOL investigations were conducted using a tilt rotor aircraft, resulting in the XV-15 tilt rotor research aircraft. Direct jet lift is now being considered for application to future supersonic fighter aircraft.

Roberts, L.↗

Thrust-induced effects on low-speed aerodynamics of fighter aircraft

The design and technology requirements for STOL fighter aircraft as defined in NASA studies are reviewed. The research has concentrated on advanced high-lift systems using mechanical flaps, methods of obtaining longitudinal trim during the use of thrust vectoring, and thrust reversal to shorten ground roll distances. Several early configurations are described, and investigations of the effect of thrust reversal on the low-speed aerodynamics of the F-15 are detailed. Although the NASA design was a wing-canard configuration, similarities in a Grumman baseline STOL aircraft allowed incorporation of the Grumman nacelle, primary nozzles, spanwise blowing nozzles, and trailing-edge flap systems.

Banks, D. W.↗