Flight Testing of a Variable Sweep Wing Aircraft


Book Description

In the late 1940's, it appeared that the capabilities of the catapult and arresting gear on existing carriers were becoming inadequate for the higher airplane weights and speeds which accompanied the introduction of turbojet-powered, swept-wing carrier-based aircraft. The U.S. Navy's approach to the problem encompassed two developments, the angled carrier deck in combination with the steam catapult and the Grumman XF10F-1 fighter with variable geometry wings for reduction of take-off and landing speeds. Although the XF10F-1 did not go into production because of certain other unsatisfactory design innovations, the wing, which could be swept in the air from 13 1/2 to 42 1/2 degrees, was shown to be operationally feasible and structurally practical. It also gave the expected reduction in aircraft take-off and landing speeds which could have offset carrier modifications. As aircraft size and performance continued to increase during the last decade, the problem of catapult capability versus carrier aircraft weight and speed again became apparent. This time, the TFX variable geometry wing aircraft was considered a more practical solution than further increasing the carrier catapult and arresting capabilities. (Author).




Introduction to Aerospace Engineering with a Flight Test Perspective


Book Description

Comprehensive textbook which introduces the fundamentals of aerospace engineering with a flight test perspective Introduction to Aerospace Engineering with a Flight Test Perspective is an introductory level text in aerospace engineering with a unique flight test perspective. Flight test, where dreams of aircraft and space vehicles actually take to the sky, is the bottom line in the application of aerospace engineering theories and principles. Designing and flying the real machines are often the reasons that these theories and principles were developed. This book provides a solid foundation in many of the fundamentals of aerospace engineering, while illuminating many aspects of real-world flight. Fundamental aerospace engineering subjects that are covered include aerodynamics, propulsion, performance, and stability and control. Key features: Covers aerodynamics, propulsion, performance, and stability and control. Includes self-contained sections on ground and flight test techniques. Includes worked example problems and homework problems. Suitable for introductory courses on Aerospace Engineering. Excellent resource for courses on flight testing. Introduction to Aerospace Engineering with a Flight Test Perspective is essential reading for undergraduate and graduate students in aerospace engineering, as well as practitioners in industry. It is an exciting and illuminating read for the aviation enthusiast seeking deeper understanding of flying machines and flight test.




Introduction to Aircraft Flight Mechanics


Book Description

Based on a 15-year successful approach to teaching aircraft flight mechanics at the US Air Force Academy, this text explains the concepts and derivations of equations for aircraft flight mechanics. It covers aircraft performance, static stability, aircraft dynamics stability and feedback control.






















NASA Scientific and Technical Reports


Book Description