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Flight Tests of a 0.13-Scale Model of the Convair XFY-1 Vertically Rising Airplane in a Setup Simulating that Proposed for Captive-Flight Tests in a Hangar, TED No. NACA DE 368An experimental investigation has been conducted to determine the dynamic stability and control characteristics of a 0.13-scale free-flight model of the Convair XFY-1 airplane in test setups representing the setup proposed for use in the first flight tests of the full-scale airplane in the Moffett Field airship hangar. The investigation was conducted in two parts: first, tests with the model flying freely in an enclosure simulating the hangar, and second, tests with the model partially restrained by an overhead line attached to the propeller spinner and ground lines attached to the wing and tail tips. The results of the tests indicated that the airplane can be flown without difficulty in the Moffett Field airship hangar if it does not approach too close to the hangar walls. If it does approach too close to the walls, the recirculation of the propeller slipstream might cause sudden trim changes which would make smooth flight difficult for the pilot to accomplish. It appeared that the tethering system proposed by Convair could provide generally satisfactory restraint of large-amplitude motions caused by control failure or pilot error without interfering with normal flying or causing any serious instability or violent jerking motions as the tethering lines restrained the model.
Document ID
20050028490
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Other - NACA Research Memorandum
Authors
Lovell, Powell M., Jr.
(National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. Langley Aeronautical Lab. Langley Field, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1953
Subject Category
Aircraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
NACA-RM-SL54B16A
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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