Tracking Test Techniques for Handling Qualities Evaluation
Abstract
Flight tests were conducted and techniques developed for evaluating the handling qualities of an aircraft using combat-oriented air-to-air tracking maneuvers. This technique involves precision tracking of a target aircraft through wind-up turn and constant angle of attack turn maneuvers. The gun camera film of these maneuvers was analyzed for characteristic pipper motion relative to the target and tracking errors in the longitudinal and lateral-directional axes. Correlation of these data with pilot comments provides a means of evaluating the acceptability of aircraft stability and handling qualities in the maneuver environment for which the aircraft was designed. The TWeaD II F-4, which incorporated a variable gain control augmentation system (CAS), was used in the flight development of these tracking test techniques. With the CAS, three levels of handling qualities, ranging from good to unaugmented (poor) were evaluated in pitch, roll, yaw, and the combination roll and yaw axes. These handling qualities levels were successfully correlated with pipper motion, tracking error, and pilot rating and comments to the extent that acceptable handling qualities were distinguished from unacceptable handling qualities, and deficiencies were discovered and isolated. Tracking test techniques proved to be a powerful tool for optimizing the TWeaD II flight control system in an in- flight environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADB006191
Entities
People
- David L. Franklin
- Thomas R. Twisdale
Organizations
- Air Force Test Center