An Investigation of Direct Sideforce Control for Improving Maneuver Capability of Attack Aircraft.

Abstract

The feasibility of employing direct sideforce control devices (DSFC) to enhance the maneuverability and weapon delivery accuracy of high-speed attack aircraft was investigated. Linear analysis, piloted simulation, and an implementation study were performed. Pilot-in-the-loop analyses show that connecting the direct sideforce controller to the pilot's aileron and rudder controls, combined with heading rate and side acceleration feedback, is the best method for integrating the DSFC into the control system. By decoupling the airplane's lateral and directional motions and using DSFC, rapid heading changes can be made with the rudder pedals alone, without rolling and sideslipping the airplane. The flight simulation clearly demonstrates the airplane's improved close-in maneuvering and target tracking capability with the DSFC. Very substantial circular error probable (CEP) improvements over the basic airplane without sideforce control were achieved. The implementation study shows that deflecting a dedicated aerodynamic control surface ahead of the center of gravity, in conjunction with the rudder, to balance the yawling moment, produces the desired sideforce most efficiently. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1971
Accession Number
AD0888983

Entities

People

  • Gerhard K. L. Kriechbaum
  • James H. Vincent
  • John L. Garrett
  • Robert R. Larson

Organizations

  • Boeing

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Control Surfaces
  • Aircrafts
  • Airplanes
  • Attack Aircraft
  • Center Of Gravity
  • Circular Error Probable
  • Control Surfaces
  • Control Systems
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Flight Simulations
  • Simulations
  • Target Tracking
  • Weapon Delivery

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.
  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Economics