IN-FLIGHT SIMULATION OF THE LATERAL-DIRECTIONAL HANDLING QUALITIES OF ENTRY VEHICLES
Abstract
The initial results of a flight research program to simulate the handling qualities of winged vehicles during atmospheric entry are discussed. The purpose is to evaluate in flight the effects on pilot-vehicle performance of the dynamic flight characteristics of atmospheric entry vehicles, and to determine their suitability for the entry mission. The evaluations were conducted in a three-axis variable stability T-33 airplane. Different sets of handling characteristics were evaluated in maneuvering flight and rated as to their suitability for the entry mission. Emphasis was placed upon the lateral handling characteristics, and 129 configurations were examined by one pilot. An effort is made to relate pilot objections and the attendant poor ratings to their causative vehicle characteristics. The piloting difficulties involved in the control of vehicles with either static or dynamic directional instabilities are discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0269517
Entities
People
- Robert P. Jr. Harper
Organizations
- Calspan