CANBERRA PR 3 VX 181 (2 X AVON 1). LATERAL AND DIRECTIONAL BEHAVIOUR AND THE EFFECT ON SURVEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Abstract
The lateral and directional behavior of the Canberra PR 3 VX 181 during survey flights is discussed. Flight trials showed that even under calm air conditions a short-period oscillation in heading and angle of bank existed with both the period (2 to 4 sec.) and the magnitude varying with M no. and altitude. General wanders in heading and bank also appeared to be independent of M no. and, in the case of angle of bank, independent of altitude for the time intervals between successive photographs of the F.49 survey camera fitted with a 6-in. lens. Near M = 0.8, the oscillations and wanders averaged about 1 deg, although maximum values of 2 deg and above were measured under calm air conditions and while the pilot was attempting to maintain the aircraft on a constant heading with the wings level. Lack of sufficient instrumentation prevented a quantitative evaluation of rudder-free flight, but no effect was apparent. The use of a standard Mk 9 autopilot had little effect at 25,000 ft. The autopilot flight characteristics seemed adequate for photographic purposes with a 1 deg permissible camera tilt. Further restriction is expected to require camera stabilization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 21, 1952
- Accession Number
- AD0000001
Entities
People
- H. J. Keyes