A Review of High Speed Aircraft Stability and Control Challenges
Abstract
This report identifies key stability and control screening parameters needed to design general-purpose high-supersonic and hypersonic aircraft. A review of ground test, computation and flight test data of the rocket propelled Bell X-2, North American X-15, Martin X-24A and Northrop HL-10 lifting bodies, the Lockheed YF-12 (SR-71) and North American XB-70 jet propelled aircraft as well as the Rockwell Space Shuttle Orbiter reveals a need for strong static directional stability. We learn from the relative success of the X-15 and YF-12 and the performance limitations of the others that lateral-directional stability and control needs special scrutiny during preliminary design. We show how adverse yaw can be so strong as to destabilize an otherwise innocent looking statically stable airframe like the Bell X-2. This document outlines sources for effective screening criteria that should be considered during high-speed vehicle development. They derive from the classic MIL-STD-8785C, MIL-STD-1797A as well as in older AGARD reports.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 18, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1195318
Entities
People
- Jack A. Griffin
- Ramana V. Grandhi
- Timothy T. Takahashi
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology
- Arizona State University