Helicopter Air-to-Air Combat Test 4 (AACT 4) Maneuverability Analysis
Abstract
This report presents the data and findings from the AACT IV flight test program sponsored by AATD. One-on-one air-to-air combat tests of the AH-1S Cobra, AH-64A Apache, SA-365N-1 Dauphin, and 406 Combat Scout helicopters were conducted for maneuverability and agility effectiveness. The tests were flown at the Naval Air Test Center (NATC), Patuxent River, Maryland, from 22 March to 30 April 1987. Flights performed totaled 18, with 22 hours of productive flight time. Total NATC onsite flight time was approximately 87 hours, including instrumentation check flights, maintenance flights, one-on-one familiarization flights, and data flights. The performance of the aircraft involved in AACT IV and analysis of their contributions in an air-to-air environment are discussed. Air vehicle subsystems and other vehicle flight test configuration initiatives used in AACT IV are also described. The AACT IV general findings include: (1) cockpit field of view should be unobstructed and as extensive as possible; (2) time to turn should be minimized for best air combat maneuvering (ACM) performance; (3) high specific excess power at mission weight is necessary for increased maneuverability; (4) the pilot should be given full ACM potential without constant attention to envelope limits; (5) turreted weapons provide added kill probability but do not mitigate maneuverability, and-(6) the performance characteristics of teetering rotor systems during ACM are not conducive to the close-range air-to-air environment. A major shortcoming of the test program was the lack of consistent laser weapon simulator ballistic hit/ miss and aiming error quantitative data.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADB166906
Entities
People
- Donald A. Skrinjorich
- G. T. White
Organizations
- United States Army Aviation and Missile Command