A Stol Airworthiness Investigation Using A Simulation Of An Augmentor Wing Transport Volume 1 Summary Of Results And Airworthiness Implications

A simulator study of STOL airworthiness criteria was conducted using a model of an augmentor wing transport. This study covered the approach, flare and landing, go-around, and takeoff phases of flight. The two volumes of this report document the results of that investigation. Volume One summarizes the results and discusses possible implications with regard to airworthiness criteria. The results provide a data base for future STOL airworthiness requirements and a preliminary indication of potential problem areas. The results are also compared to the results from an earlier simulation of the Breguet 941S. Where possible, airworthiness criteria are proposed for consideration.

This report summarizes the results of a joint NASA-FAA research program directed toward development of civil airworthiness flight-criteria for power-lift transports. Tentative criteria are proposed for performance and handling characteristics for powered-lift transport aircraft in commercial service. The aircraft considered are primarily wing-supported vehicles which rely upon the propulsion system for a significant portion of lift and control. VTOL aircraft are excluded. The flight criteria treat primarily the approach and landing flight phases, because it is in these flight phases that the greatest use of powered lift is made, and the greatest differences from conventional aircraft tend to appear. Consequently, the flight task tends to become most demanding. The tentative criteria are based on simulation and flight experience with a variety of powered-lift concepts. These concepts have not employed flight director, advanced displays, or advanced augmentation systems. The tentative criteria proposed were formulated by a working group comprised of representatives of the U.S., British, French, and Canadian airworthiness authorities, as well as research personnel of the NASA and other organizations. It is recognized that more work is needed to assure general applicability of the critera. (Author).

The general objectives of this simulation were to, evaluate the tentative airworthiness criteria and demonstrations proposed by the SSDWG. The following subject priorities were agreed upon by the Working Group: (1) Flare and landing; (2) Flight path response; (3) Cross coupling; (4) Safety margins; (5) Continued approach with an engine failure; (6) Flight path control power; and (7) Limiting flight conditions. The objectives were addressed using a single basic powered-lift airplane model which simultaneously just met as many of the proposed SSDWG criteria as possible. The characteristics of the model were then varied to focus on specific areas of interest. This volume begins with a description of the elements involved in the simulation. The results are then presented in detail. Included are: the aspects of longitudinal flight path/flight reference control; the limiting flight conditions and safety margins; and the problems connected with an engine failure during the approach.

A simulator study of STOL airworthiness criteria for approach and landing was conducted using a series of different aircraft models. These models were selected to isolate a single parameter or characteristic for evaluation. Specific areas included in the study were: an evaluation of speed margins, a flight path margin evaluation, a study of flare and landing technique, the effects of touchdown zone constraints, an evaluation of two different turbulence models, an investigation of flight path/airspeed cross coupling, and a study of the effects of short-term flight path response. This report contains a detailed description of the simulation and the data obtained. These data include performance measures, pilot commentary, and pilot ratings.