And the World Turned: Spin Testing the DG-1000S
Abstract
During the past 10 years, the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) has published over 250 new technical papers in its online database. Of these, only four of them less than 2% -- directly address the topic of spin testing. Since it apparently is not a test discipline many of us encounter, it might seem logical to question the importance of remaining knowledgeable of its precepts. A survey of the lessons-learned from the SETP spin papers that are available when compared to the lessons-learned of this project reveals a striking recurrence of themes. Seemingly minor aberrations in the aircraft mold line, for example particularly on or near the nose of the aircraft or wing leading edge have led to the discovery of unpredicted out-of-control behaviors and potentially-dangerous recoverability characteristics. In the face of such uncertainties, selecting an effective build-up approach has proven problematic in some cases. One of the goals of this paper, then, is to refresh understandings that could be needed on a moment s notice. It examines spin behaviors which were previously undocumented and unusual, identifies unexpected hazards, offers techniques to mitigate them, and proposes a new method of assigning spin mode modifiers for highly/violently oscillatory spins. Finally, it is hoped it will serve as a readily-available primer on the topic of spin testing, while helping to banish certain preconceived ideas and attitudes which consistently prove self-critiquing in the flight test profession. On occasion, they even prove fatal.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA626043
Entities
People
- Timothy S. Mcdonald
Organizations
- Air Force Test Center