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Longitudinal stability and control characteristics of powered model of twin-propeller deflected-slipstream STOL aircraft configuration
The investigation was conducted to determine the static stability and control characteristics of the VZ-5 VTOL air-plane over the speed range from hovering to forward flight. Force and moment data were taken over a range of angles of attack of 0 to 15 deg and a range of sideslip of +/-10 deg for flap deflections from 0 to 77 deg. The longitudinal stability and trim characteristics were found to be quite unacceptable and it did not seem that they could be corrected with any reasonable modifications to the airplane.
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The quantity of air which the disk area described by propeller blades travels through, is accelerated rearward conformably to the momentum of the forces acting on the propeller. The accelerated air mass forms behind the propeller the so-called slipstream, in which among others, the mean velocity of advance is increased. If the propeller axis slopes toward the relative flight direction, the slipstream direction likewise changes, i.e., it sets up a downwash behind the propeller. It was shown how this deviation can be mathematically defined. With appreciable slope the momentum of the slipstream is partially split up in the surrounding air because of the circulation, and the downwash of the slipstream is diminished.
A YOV-10A aircraft was modified to incorporate rotating cylinder flaps and interconnected propellers with Lycoming T-53-L11 engines. Flight tests were made to evaluate the low speed handling qualities and performance characteristics. The flight test results indicated that landings could be made with approach speeds of 55 to 65 knots (CL = 4.5) and descent angles of 6 deg to 8 deg for total flap angles of 60 deg to 75 deg. At higher flap angles, deterioration of stability and control characteristics precluded attempts at landing. The noise level on the ground under an 8 deg landing approach path was below 86 PNdB at distances beyond 1 nautical mile from touchdown. Takeoffs were made with 30 deg to 45 deg flaps at lift off speeds of 75 to 80 knots and climb angles of 4 deg to 8 deg. Noise levels were below 83 PNdB at 3.5 nautical miles from the start of ground roll.
The preliminary calculation of the airplane polar and hence of the flight performances and characteristics rests on the assumption of an elliptical lift distribution at all altitudes. For large angles of attack below C(sub a (sub max)), this method of calculation yields no satisfactory agreement with measurements made in flight. An attempt is made to eliminate the errors in the preliminary calculation by the assumption of a disturbance of the lift distribution in this angle-of-attack range, which is so important for the constructor. An explanation is also given of the great differences found in flight with and without propeller slipstream.
An experimental investigation has been conducted to determine the dynamic stability and control characteristics of a 0.13-scale free-flight model of the Convair XFY-1 airplane in test setups representing the setup proposed for use in the first flight tests of the full-scale airplane in the Moffett Field airship hangar. The investigation was conducted in two parts: first, tests with the model flying freely in an enclosure simulating the hangar, and second, tests with the model partially restrained by an overhead line attached to the propeller spinner and ground lines attached to the wing and tail tips. The results of the tests indicated that the airplane can be flown without difficulty in the Moffett Field airship hangar if it does not approach too close to the hangar walls. If it does approach too close to the walls, the recirculation of the propeller slipstream might cause sudden trim changes which would make smooth flight difficult for the pilot to accomplish. It appeared that the tethering system proposed by Convair could provide generally satisfactory restraint of large-amplitude motions caused by control failure or pilot error without interfering with normal flying or causing any serious instability or violent jerking motions as the tethering lines restrained the model.