In-Flight Evaluation of Four Cockpit Controller Configurations in a Variable Stability Airplane

Abstract

An in-flight evaluation of four cockpit controller configurations has been made. These configurations include a conventional wheel and column, and three new concepts: a circumferential wheel and column, a circumferential wheel and column with a hand grip mounted on the right hand side of the wheel segment, and a dual side arm configuration integral with the pilot's seat. Evaluation was based on three tasks: up-and-away cruise condition maneuvers, low level terrain following simulated at altitude, and approach, landing and takeoff. Each task was performed under conditions of different simulated static and dynamic characteristics of a B-1 type airplane, using one of CAL's B-26 variable stability airplanes. Four evaluation pilots, two USAF and two CAL, flew all four controller configurations four times each through each of the three tasks. Data obtained were both qualitative and quantitative.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1970
Accession Number
AD0876589

Entities

People

  • Donald W. Rhoads

Organizations

  • Calspan

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Cyber
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aeronautical Laboratories
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Altitude
  • Control Surfaces
  • Control Systems
  • Flight Control Systems
  • Flight Instruments
  • Flight Simulators
  • Instrument Panels
  • Ratings
  • Simulations
  • Standards
  • Terrain Following
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Equipment
  • Variable Stability Aircraft

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Electrical Engineering