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At least 73 records · Page 4

Static Longitudinal Stability of a Tandem-Coupled Bomber-Fighter Airplane Configuration Proposed by All American Airways, Inc.

At the request of the Air Materiel Command an investigation was made in the Langley free-flight tunnel to determine the static longitudinal stability and control characteristics of models coupled together in a tandem configuration proposed by All American Airways, Inc. Force tests were made using 1/20-scale models of B-29 end F-80 airplanes to determine the effects of coupling the fighter to the tail of the bomber. The results of the investigation showed that for the bomber alone the aerodynamic center was 0.21 mean aerodynamic chord behind the center of gravity (stable) but that for the tandem configuration the aerodynamic center was 0.09 mean aerodynamic chord forward of the center of gravity, of the combination (unstable). The elevator effectiveness of the bomber was reduced approximately 50 percent by addition of the fighter. Some recent flight tests made in the free-flight tunnel with models simulating the proposed configuration indicate that the reduction in stability may be minimized by incorporating a hinged coupling permitting freedom in pitch.

Hewes, Donald E.↗

Transonic flutter and gust-response tests and analyses of a wind-tunnel model of a torsion-free-wing fighter airplane

The paper reports the results of analytical and exploratory wind-tunnel studies of the transonic flutter and gust response characteristics of a 1/5.5-size complete-airplane version of a torsion-free-wing (TFW) fighter aircraft. The critical flutter mode for the TFW-free configuration was found to occur at M = 0.95 and had the rigid-TFW pitch mode as its apparent aerodynamic driver. However, the minimum dynamic flutter for the TFW-free case was only about 20% lower than for the TFW-locked; therefore the present TFW is a viable design concept with respect to flutter. The present TFW was not effective as a gust alleviator.

Ruhlin, C. L.↗

Simulator study of stall/post-stall characteristics of a fighter airplane with relaxed longitudinal static stability

A real-time piloted simulation was conducted to evaluate the high-angle-of-attack characteristics of a fighter configuration based on wind-tunnel testing of the F-16, with particular emphasis on the effects of various levels of relaxed longitudinal static stability. The aerodynamic data used in the simulation was conducted on the Langley differential maneuvering simulator, and the evaluation involved representative low-speed combat maneuvering. Results of the investigation show that the airplane with the basic control system was resistant to the classical yaw departure; however, it was susceptible to pitch departures induced by inertia coupling during rapid, large-amplitude rolls at low airspeed. The airplane also exhibited a deep-stall trim which could be flown into and from which it was difficult to recover. Control-system modifications were developed which greatly decreased the airplane susceptibility to the inertia-coupling departure and which provided a reliable means for recovering from the deep stall.

Nguyen, L. T.↗

Application of high-alpha control system concepts to a variable-sweep fighter airplane

The use of control system design to enhance high-angle-of-attack flying qualities and departure/spin resistance has become an accepted and widely used approach for modern fighter aircraft. NASA and the Navy are currently conducting a joint research program to investigate the application of this technology to the F-14. The paper discusses the results of this program within the context of its contributions to advancing high-alpha control system technology. General topics covered include (1) analysis and design tools, (2) control system design approach, and (3) flight test approach and results.

Nguyen, L. T.↗

Landing impact studies of a 0.3-scale model air cushion landing system for a Navy fighter airplane

An experimental study was conducted in order to determine the landing-impact behavior of a 0.3-scale, dynamically (but not physically) similar model of a high-density Navy fighter equipped with an air cushion landing system. The model was tested over a range of landing contact attitudes at high forward speeds and sink rates on a specialized test fixture at the Langley aircraft landing loads and traction facility. The investigation indicated that vertical acceleration at landing impact was highly dependent on the pitch angle at ground contact, the higher acceleration of approximately 5g occurring near zero body-pitch attitude. A limited number of low-speed taxi tests were made in order to determine model stability characteristics. The model was found to have good pitch-damping characteristics but stability in roll was marginal.

Leland, T. J. W.↗

Longitudinal stability and control derivatives of a jet fighter airplane extracted from flight test data by utilizing maximum likelihood estimation

A method of parameter extraction for stability and control derivatives of aircraft from flight test data, implementing maximum likelihood estimation, was developed and successfully applied to actual longitudinal flight test data from a modern sophisticated jet fighter. The results of this application establish the merits of the estimation technique and its computer implementation(allowing full analyst interaction with the program) as well as provide data for the validation of a portion of the differential maneuvering simulator (DMS). The results are presented for all flight test runs in tabular form and as time history comparisons between the estimated states and the actual flight test data. Comparisons between extracted and manufacturer's values for five major derivatives are presented and reveal good agreement for these principal derivatives with one exception. This particular derivative is extensively investigated by utilizing the interactive capabilities of the computer program. The results of this investigation verify the numbers extracted by maximum likelihood estimation.

Steinmetz, G. G.↗