An Investigation of Aircraft Maneuverability and Agility
Abstract
Improved effectiveness of close air support (CAS) aircraft has increased counter-air developments and the possibility of air-to-air combat (ATAC). Maneuverability and agility are desired attributes of CAS aircraft which must operate close to terrain or engage in air combat. The objective of this thesis was to investigate maneuverability and agility of modern CAS aircraft. The investigation was accomplished by expanding the capabilities of HELCOM to incorporate fixed wing aircraft modeling. HELCOM is a series of computer programs which use energy/force balancing methods to determine maneuverability and agility parameters. Joint Air Attack Team (JAAT), integrating OH-58D, AH- 64A, and A-10A aircraft, served as the CAS air force for investigating maneuverability and agility. HELCOM, as a tool for understanding maneuverability and agility, was improved to provide a good approximation for both rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft. Tilt-rotor aircraft concept was compared to current CAS aircraft and shown to incorporate design features desired in highly maneuverable and agile aircraft. Keywords: Maneuverability, Agility, Air-to-air, Close air support (CAS), Specific excess power, Air combat maneuvering, Theses, Helicopters, Attack helicopters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 17, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA224587
Entities
People
- Frederick W. Stellar
Organizations
- Georgia Tech