ALBERT

Description: An experimental investigation was made of a preloaded spring-tab flutter model to determine the effects on flutter speed of aspect ratio, tab frequency, and preloaded spring constant. The rudder was mass-balanced, and the flutter mode studied was essentially one of three degrees of freedom (fin bending coupled with rudder and tab oscillations). Inasmuch as the spring was preloaded, the tab-spring system was a nonlinear one. Frequency of the tab was the most significant parameter in this study, and an increase in flutter speed with increasing frequency is indicated. At a given frequency, the tab of high aspect ratio is shown to have a slightly lower flutter speed than the one of low aspect ratio. Because the frequency of the preloaded spring tab was found to vary radically with amplitude, the flutter speed decreased with increase in initial displacement of the tab.

Description: Low-speed tests of a pilotless aircraft were conducted in the Langley propeller-research tunnel to provide information for the estimation of the longitudinal stability and. control, to measure the aileron effectiveness, and to calibrate the radome and the Machmeter pitot-static orifices. It was found that the model possessed a stEb.le variation of elevator angle required for trim throughout the speed range at the design angle of attack. A comparison of the airplane with and without JATO units and with an alternate rocket booster showed that a large loss in longitudinal stability and control resulting from the addition of the rocket booster to the aircraft was sufficient to make the rocket-booster assembly unsatisfactory as an alternate for the JATO units. Reversal of the aileron effectiveness was evident at positive deflections of the vertical wing flap indicating that the roll-stabilization system would produce roiling moments in a tight right turn contrary to its design purpose. Vertical-wing-flap deflections caused large errors in the static-pressure reading obtained by the original static-tube installation. A practical installation point on the fuselage was located which should yield reliable measurement of the free-stream static pressure.

Description: A wind-tunnel investigation has been made to determine the effects of unsymmetrical horizontal-tail arrangements on the power-on static longitudinal stability of a single-engine single-rotation airplane model. Although the tests and analyses showed that extreme asymmetry in the horizontal tail indicated a reduction in power effects on longitudinal stability for single-engine single-rotation airplanes, the particular "practical" arrangement tested did not show marked improvement. Differences in average downwash between the normal tail arrangement and various other tail arrangements estimated from computed values of propeller-slipstream rotation agreed with values estimated from pitching-moment test data for the flaps-up condition (low thrust and torque) and disagreed for the flaps-down condition (high thrust and torque). This disagreement indicated the necessity for continued research to determine the characteristics of the slip-stream behind various propeller-fuselage-wing combinations. Out-of-trim lateral forces and moments of the unsymmetrical tail arrangements that were best from consideration of longitudinal stability were no greater than those of the normal tail arrangement.

Description: Tests of a partial-span model of a large bomber-type air1ane were conducted to determine the. aerodynamic characteristics of the wing equipped with full-span flaps and a retractable spoiler end aileron lateral control system. The arrangement consisted of (1) a double slotted flap extending over aproximate1y 86 percent of the wing semispan, (2) a 20-percent constant-percentage-chord aileron extending from the outboard end of the flap to the wing tip, and (3) a retractable spoiler, located at the 65-percent wing-chord station and extending from approximately 63 percent of the wing semispan to the wing tip. In addition, tests were made of a wing vent (of 1 and 2 percent of the wing chord located directly behind the spoiler), perforations in the spoiler, a blot or cut-out along the lower edge of the spoiler and spoilers of various spans. With full-span flaps deflected and with the 2-percent vent open or closed the initial stalling of the wing occurred at the tips, but with the vents closed there probably would be no appreciable loss in lateral control until maximum lift was reached. The l-percent vent increased the rolling effectiveness of the spoiler at small spoi1er deflections, particularly at high angles of attack with flaps deflected. With flaps deflected the 2-percent vent caused a large reduction in both the wing lift and rolling effectiveness of the spoiler at large angles of attack. However, at small angle of attack the 2-percent vent increased the rolling effectiveness of the spoiler at small spoiler deflections. The simultaneous operation of the spoiler and vent (in contrast to a vent fixed in the wing) would result in a large increase in the effectiveness of the spoiler and would avoid any loss in wing lift as in a fixed vent arrangement. The tests of the spoiler modifications revealed that (1) the spoiler perforations reduced the rolling-moment and yawing-moment coefficients but caused the spoiler hinge-moment coefficients to become more positive; (2) the spoiler slot had no notable effect on the rolling-moment and yawing-moment characteristics but produced a positive increase in the spoiler hinge-moment coefficients at large spoiler deflections; (3) the effects produced by the individual modifications were additive when the various modifications were combined. In general, progressively decreasing the spoiler span by removing the segments from the inboard end of the spoiler caused a decrease in rolling effectiveness approximately proportional to the span of the segment.

Description: The results of a theoretical analysis of the hinge-moment characteristics of various sealed-internal-balance arrangements for control surfaces are presented. The analysis considered overhands sealed to various types of wing structure by flexible seals spanning gaps of various widths or sealed to the wing structure by a flexible system of linked plates. Leakage was not considered; the seal was assumed to extend the full spanwise length of the control surface. The effect of the developed width of the flexible seal and of the geometry of the structure to which the seal was anchored was investigated, as well as the effect of the gap width that is sealed. The results of the investigation indicated that the most nearly linear control-surface hinge-moment characteristics can probably be obtained from a flexible seal over a narrow gap (about 0.1 of the overhang chord), which is so installed that the motion of the seal is restricted to a region behind the point of attachment of the seal to the wing structure. Control-surface hinge moments that tend to be high at large deflections and low or overbalanced at small deflections will result if a very narrow seal is used.

Description: Tests were made of a model representative of a single-engine tractor-type airplane for the purpose of determining the stability and control effects of a propeller used as an aerodynamic brake. The tests were made with single-and dual-rotation propellers to show the effect of type of propeller rotation, and with positive thrust to provide basic data with which to compare the effects of negative thrust. Four configurations of the model were used to give the effects of tilting the propeller thrust axis down 5 deg., raising the horizontal tail, and combining both tilt and raised tail. Results of the tests are reported herein. The effects of negative thrust were found to be significant. The longitudinal stability was increased because of the loss of wing lift and increase of the angle of attack of the tail. Directional stability and both longitudinal and directional control were decreased because of the reduced velocity at the tail. These effects are moderate for moderate braking but become pronounced with full-power braking, particularly at high values of lift coefficient. The effects of model configuration changes were small when compared with the over-all effects of negative-thrust operation; however, improved stability and control characteristics were exhibited by the model with the tilted thrust axis. Raising the horizontal tail improved the longitudinal characteristics, but was detrimental to directional characteristics. The use of dual-rotation propeller reduced the directional trim charges resulting from the braking operation. A prototype airplane was assumed and handling qualities were computed and analyzed for normal (positive thrust) and braking operation with full and partial power. The results of these analyses are presented for the longitudinal characteristics in steady and accelerated flight, and for the directional characteristics in high- and low-speed flight. It was found that by limiting the power output of the engine (assuming the constant-speed propeller will function in the range of blade angles required for negative thrust) the stability and control characteristics may be held within the limits required for safe operation. Braking with full power, particularly at low speeds, is dangerous, but braking with very small power output is satisfactory from the standpoint of control. The amount of braking produced with zero power output is equal to or better than that produced by conventional spoiler-type brakes.

Description: Low Mach number longitudinal-stability and control characteristics as predicted by use of wind tunnel data from a powered 3/16-scale model are compared with flight test measurements of a Navy BTD-1 airplane. The accuracy of the wind tunnel data and the discrepancies involved in attempting to correlate with flight data are discussed and analyzed. The comparison showed that wind tunnel predictions were, in general, in good agreement with flight test data. The predicted values were for the most part sufficiently accurate to show the satisfactory and unsatisfactory characteristics in the preliminary design stage and to indicate possible methods of improvement. The discrepancies which did occur were attributed principally to physical dissimilarities between model and airplane and the instability to determine accurately the flight power conditions. The effect of Mach number was considered negligible since the maximum flight test value was about 0.5. In order to simulate more closely the flight conditions and hence obtain more accurate data for predictions, it appears desirable to perform large-scale tests of unorthodox control surfaces such as the sealed vaned elevators with which the airplane was equipped.

Description: The hydrodynamic characteristics of a 1/10-size powered dynamic model of the XP5Y-1 flying boat were determined in Langley tank no. 1. Stable take-offs were possible at all practicable positions of the center of gravity and flap deflections. An increase in gross load from 123.5 to 150.0 pounds (21.5 percent) had only a slight effect on the stable range for take-off. A decrease in forward acceleration from 3.0 to 1.0 feet per second per second had only a very small effect on the stable range for take-off. In general, the landings were free from skipping except at trims below 6 deg where one skip was encountered at an aft position of the center of gravity. The model porpoised during the landing runout at all positions of the center of gravity when landed at trims above 10 deg. Spray in the propellers was light at the design gross load, and was not considered excessive,at a gross load of 136.0 pounds.

Description: An investigation of the low-speed; power-off stability and control characteristics of a 1/20-scale model of the Consolidated Vultee XB-53 airplane equipped with full-span leading-edge slats has been conducted in the Langley free-flight tunnel. In this investigation it was found that the-full-span leading-edge slat gave about the same maximum lift coefficient as was obtained with the outboard single slotted flap and inboard slat. The stability and control characteristics were greatly improved except near the stall where the characteristics with the full-span slat were considered unsatisfactory because of a loss of directional stability and a slight nosing-up tendency.

Description: The problem of turbulence in aerodynamics is at present being attacked both theoretically and experimentally. In view of the fact however that purely theoretical considerations have not thus far led to satisfactory results the experimental treatment of the problem is of great importance. Among the different measuring procedures the hot wire methods are so far recognized as the most suitable for investigating the turbulence structure. The several disadvantages of these methods however, in particular those arising from the temperature lag of the wire can greatly impair the measurements and may easily render questionable the entire value of the experiment. The name turbulence is applied to that flow condition in which at any point of the stream the magnitude and direction of the velocity fluctuate arbitrarily about a well definable mean value. This fluctuation imparts a certain whirling characteristic to the flow.

Description: The NACA is conducting a general investigation of servo-mechanisms for use in powering aircraft control surfaces. This paper presents a theoretical analysis and the results of bench tests of a control-booster system which employs a variable displacement hydraulic pump. The booster is intended for use in a flight investigation to determine the effects of various booster parameters on the handling qualities of airplanes. Such a flight investigation would aid in formulating specific requirements concerning the design of control boosters in general. Results of the theoretical analysis and the bench tests indicate that the subject booster is representative of types which show promise of satisfactory performance. The bench tests showed that the following desirable features were inherent in this booster system: (1) No lost motion or play in any part of the system; (2) no detectable lag between motion of the contra1 stick and control surface; and (3) Good agreement between control displacements and stick-force variations with no hysteresis in the stick-force characteristics. The final design configuration of this booster system showed no tendency to oscillate, overshoot, or have other undesirable transient characteristics common to boosters.

Description: An investigation of the low-speed, power-off stability and control characteristics of a 1/20-scale model of the Consolidated Vultee XB-53 airplane has been conducted in the Langley free-flight tunnel. In the investigation it was found that with flaps neutral satisfactory flight behavior at low speeds was obtainable with an increase in height of the vertical tail and with the inboard slats opened. In the flap-down slat-open condition the longitudinal stability was satisfactory, but it was impossible to obtain satisfactory lateral-flight characteristics even with the increase in height of the vertical tail because of the negative effective dihedral, low directional stability, and large-adverse yawing moments of the ailerons.

Description: The results obtained from gust and draft velocity measurements within thunderstorms for the period July 24, 1946 to August 6, 1946 at Orlando, Florida are presented herein. These data are summarized in tables I and II and are of the type presented in reference 1 for previous flights. In two thunderstorm traverses, indications of ambient-air temperature were obtained from photo-observer records. These data are summarized in table III.

Description: This report contains the flight-test results of the longitudinal-stability and -control phase of a general flying qualities investigation of the Lockheed P-80A airplane (Army No. 44-85099). The tests were conducted at indicated airspeeds up to 530 miles per hour (0.76 Mach number) at low altitude and up to 350 miles per hour (0.82) Mach number) at high altitude. These tests showed that the flying qualities of the airplane were in accordance with the requirements of the Army Air Forces Stability and Control Specification except for excessive elevator control forces in maneuvering flight and the inadequacy of the longitudinal trimming control at low airspeeds.

Description: Estimates of the static stick-fixed stability and control characteristics of the Consolidated Vultee model 240 airplane are presented in this report. The estimates are based on tests of a 0.092-scale powered model in the 10-foot wind tunnel of the Guggenheim Aeronautical Laboratory of the California Institute of Technology. Results of the analysis are evaluated in terms of the Army specifications for stability and control characteristics which are more specific and, in general, equal to or more rigid than the Civil Aeronautics Administration requirements. The stick-fixed stability and control characteristics of the Consolidated Vultee model 240 were found to be satisfactory except for the following: 1) Marginal longitudinal stability in the landing approach (flaps 30 deg, 50% minimum continuous power) with aft center of gravity (31% M.A.C.); 2) Marginal rudder control to hold zero sideslip in a climb after take-off with asymmetric power (flaps 30 deg, left engine inoperative, right engine delivering take-off power) with maximum rudder throw limited to +/- 18 deg; 3) Marginal dihedral effect with flaps 40 deg and engines delivering maximum continuous power.

Description: Wind-tunnel measurements on projectiles are discussed. Tests at the Gottingen Tunnel are described. The tunnel operates on the Prandtl principle, that is, a brief stationary air stream produced in an evacuated tank by induction of atmospheric air.

Description: The lift coefficient of!a wing of small span at first shows a linear increase for the increasing angle of attack, but to a lesser degree then was to be expected according to the theory of the lifting line; thereafter the lift coefficient increases more rapidly than linearity, as contrasted with the the theory of the lifting line. The induced drag coefficient for a given lift coefficient, on the other hand, is obviously much smaller than it would be according to the theory. A mall change in the theory of the lifting line will cover these deviations.

Description: The stability and control characteristics of an 0.08-scale model of the Chance Vought XF7U-1 airplane have been investigated over a Mach number range from 0.40 to 0.91. Results of the basic longitudinal tests of the complete model with undeflected control surfaces are given in the present report with a very limited analysis of the results.

Description: An investigation was made by the NACA wing-flow method to determine the longitudinal stability and control characteristics at transonic speeds of a semispan model of the XF7U-1 tailless airplane. The 25-percent chord line of the wing of the model was swept back 35 deg. The airfoil sections of the wing perpendicular to the 25-percent chord line were 12 percent thick. Measurements were made of the normal force and pitching moment through an angle-of-attack range from about -3 deg to 14 deg for several ailavator deflections at Mach numbers from 0.65 to about 1.08. The results of the tests indicated no adverse effects of compressibility up to a Mach number of at least 0.85 at low normal-force coefficients and small ailavator deflections. Up to a Mach number of 0.85, the neutral point at low normal-force coefficients was at about 25 percent of the mean aerodynamic chord and moved rearward irregularly to 41 or 42 percent with a further increase in Mach number to about 1.05. For deflections up to -8.0 percent, the ailavator was effective in changing the pitching moment except at Mach numbers from 0.93 to about 1.0 where ineffectiveness or reversal was indicated for deflections and normal-force coefficients. With -13.2 deg deflection at normal-force coefficients above about 0.3, reversal of ailavator effectiveness occurred at Mach numbers as low as 0.81. A nose-down trim change, which began at a Mach number of about 0.85, together with the loss in effectiveness of the ailavator, indicated that with increase in the Mach number from about 0.95 to 1.05 an abrupt ailavator movement of 5 deg or 6 deg first up and then down would be required to maintain level flight.

Description: Additional tests of a 1/7-size model of the Grumman XJR2F-1 amphibian were made in Langley tank no. 1 to compare the behavior during take-off of the model equipped with split- and slotted-type flaps. The slotted flag had a large effect on locating the forward center-of-gravity limits for stable take-offs. Stable take-offs within the normal operating range of positions of the center of gravity could be made with the split flaps deflected 45deg or with the slotted flaps deflected less than 20deg. At flap deflections required for similar take-off stability, the use of split-flaps resulted lower take-off speeds than the use of slotted flaps. An increase in forward acceleration from 1.1 to 4.8 feet per second per second moved the center-of-gravity limit forward approximately 3-percent mean aerodynamic chord.

Description: A 1/4 - scale model of the Naval Aircraft Factory float-wing convoy interceptor was tested in the Langley 7-by 10-foot tunnel to determine the longitudinal and lateral stability characteristics. The model was tested in the presence of a ground board to determine the effect of simulating the ground on the longitudinal characteristics.

Description: Tests have been conducted in the Langley high speed 7- by 10-foot tunnel over a Mach number range from 0.40 to 0.91 to determine the stability and control characteristics of an 0,08-scale model of the Chance Vought XF7U-1 airplane. The longitudinal-control characteristics of the complete model are presented in the present report with a limited analysis of the results.

Description: A 1/8 scale model of the Grumman XTB3F-1 airplane was tested in the Langley 7- by 10-foot tunnel to determine the stability and control characteristics and to provide data for estimating the airplane handling qualities. The report includes longitudinal and lateral stability and control characteristics of the complete model, the characteristics of the isolated horizontal tail, the effects of various flow conditions through the jet duct, tests with external stores attached to the underside of the wing, ana tests simulating landing and take-off conditions with a ground board. The handling characteristics of the airplane have not been computed but some conclusions were indicated by the data. An improvement in the longitudinal stability was obtained by tilting the thrust line down. It is shown that if the wing flap is spring loaded so that the flap deflection varies with airspeed, the airplanes will be less stable than with the flap retracted or fully deflected. An increase in size of the vertical tail and of the dorsal fin gave more desirable yawing-moment characteristics than the original vertical tail and dorsal fin. Preventing air flow through the jet duct system or simulating jet operation with unheated air produced only small changes in the model characteristics. The external stores on the underside of the wing had only small effects on the model characteristics. After completion of the investigation, the model was returned to the contractor for modifications indicated by the test results.

Description: The flying qualities of the Martin model 202 airplane have been estimated chiefly from the results of tests of an 0.0875-scale complete model with power made in the Wright Brothers tunnel at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and from partial span wing and isolated vertical tail tests made in the Georgia Tech Nine-Foot Tunnel. These estimated handling qualities have been compared with existing Army-Navy and CAA requirements for stability and control. The results of the analysis indicate that the Martin model 202 airplane will possess satisfactory handling qualities in all respects except possibly in the following: The amount of elevator control available for landing or maneuvering in the landing condition is either marginal or insufficient when using the adjustable stabilizer linked to the flaps . Moreover, indications are that the longitudinal trim changes will be neither large nor appreciably worse with a fixed stabilizer than with the contemplated arrangement utilizing the adjustable stabilizer in an attempt to reduce the magnitude of the trim changes caused by flap deflection.

Description: An investigation was made in the Langley two-dimensional low-turbulence tunnel on a wing section for the XB-36 airplane equipped with a double slotted flap to determine the effect on lift and drag of various slot-entry skirt extension. A skirt extension of 0.787 deg. was found to provide the best combination of high maximum lift with flap deflected and law drag with flap retracted. The data showed that the maximum lift at intermediate (20 deg. to 45 deg.) flap deflections was lowered considerably by the slot-entry extension; but at high flap deflections the effect was small. An increase in Reynolds number from 2.4 million to 6.0 million increased the maximum.lift coefficient at a flap deflection of 55 deg. from 3.12 to 3.30 and from 1.18 to 1.40 for the flap retracted condition, but did not greatly affect the maximum lift coefficient for intermediate flap deflections. The flap and fore flap load data indicated that the maximum lift coefficients at high flap deflections are limited by a breakdown in the flow over the .flaps.

Description: An investigation of the spin and recovery characteristics of a 1/24-scale model of the McDonnell XP-88 airplane has been conducted in the Langley 20-ft free-spinning tunnel. Results of tests with a conventional tail have been previously reported; the results presented herein are for the model with a vee tail installed. The effects of control settings and movements on the erect and inverted spin and recovery characteristics of the model. In the normal loading were determined. Tests of the model in the long-range loading also were made. The investigation included leading-edge-flap, spin-recovery-parachute, and rudder-pedal-force tests. The recovery characteristics of the model were satisfactory for the normal loading. Deflecting the leading-edge flaps improved recoveries. The results indicated that with the external wing tanks installed (long-range loading) recoveries may be poor and, therefore, if a spin is inadvertently entered in this condition the tanks should be jettisoned if recovery does not appear imminent immediately after it is attempted. A 10-foot spin-recovery tail parachute with a towline 40 feet long and a drag coefficient of 0.63 was found to be effective for spin recovery. The rudder pedal force required for spin recovery was indicated to be within the capabilities of the pilot.

Description: Tests of a PB2Y-3 flying boat were made at the U.S〉 Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Md., to determine its hydrodynamic trim limits of stability. Corresponding tests were also made of a 1/8-size powered dynamic model of the same flying boat in Langley tank no. 1. During the tank tests, the full-size testing procedure was reproduced as closely as possible in order to obtain data for a direct correlation of the results. As a nominal gross load of 66,000 pounds, the lower trim limits of the full-size and model were in good agreement above a speed of 80 feet per second. As the speed decreased below 80 feet per second, the difference between the model trim limits and full-scale trim limits gradually became larger. The upper trim limit of the model with flaps deflected 0 deg was higher than that of the full-size, but the difference was small over the speed range compared. At flap deflections greater than 0 deg, it was not possible to trim either the model of the airplane to the upper limit with the center of gravity at 28 percent of the mean aerodynamic chord. The decrease in the lower trim limits with increase in flap deflection showed good agreement for the airplane and model. The lower trim limits obtained at different gross loads for the full-size airplane were reduced to approximately a single curve by plotting trim against the square root of C(sub delta (sub o)) divided by C(sub V).

Description: The tumbling characteristics of a 1/20-scale model of the Northrop N-9M airplane have been determined in the Langley 20-foot free-spinning tunnel for various configurations and loading conditions of the model. The investigation included tests to determine whether recovery from a tumble could be effected by the use of parachutes. An estimation of the forces due to acceleration acting on the pilot during a tumble was made. The tests were performed at an equivalent test altitude of 15,000 feet. The results of the model tests indicate that if the airplane is stalled with its nose up and near the vertical, or if an appreciable amount of pitching rotation is imparted to the airplane as through the action of a strong gust, the airplane will either tumble or oscillate in pitch through a range of angles of the order of +/-120 deg. The normal flying controls will probably be ineffective in preventing or in terminating the tumbling motion. The results of the model tests indicate that deflection of the landing flaps full down immediately upon the initiation of pitching rotation will tend to prevent the development of a state of tumbling equilibrium. The simultaneous opening of two-7-foot diameter parachutes having drag coefficients of 0.7, one parachute attached to the rear portion of each wing tip with a towline between 10 and 30 feet long, will provide recovery from a tumble. The accelerations acting on the pilot during a tumble will be dangerous.

Description: The results of flight tests to determine flying qualities of a Chance Vought F4U-4 airplane are presented and discussed herein. In addition to comprehensive measurements at low altitude (about 8000 ft), tests of limited scope were made at high altitude (about 25,000 ft). The more important characteristics, based on a comparison of the test results and opinions of the pilots with the Navy requirements, can be summarized as follows: 1. The short-period control-free oscillations of the elevator angle and the normal acceleration were satisfactorily damped. 2. The most rearward center-of-gravity locations for satisfactory static longitudinal stability with power on, as determined by the control-force variations, were approximately 30 and 27 percent M.A.C. with flaps and gear up and down, respectively. 3. In maneuvering flight the conditions for which control-force gradients of satisfactory magnitude were obtained were seriously limited by sizable changes in the gradient with center-of-gravity location, airspeed, altitude, acceleration factor, and direction of turn. 4. The elevator and rudder controls were satisfactory for landings and take-offs. 5. The trim tabs were sufficiently effective for all controls. 6. The directional and lateral dynamic stability was positive, but the rudder oscillation did not damp within one cycle. The airplane oscillation damped sufficiently at low altitude but not at high altitude. 7. Both rudder-fixed and rudder-free static directional stability were positive over a sideslip range of +/-15 deg. However, the rudder force tended to reverse at high angles of right sideslip with flaps and gear up, power on, at low speeds. 8. The stick-fixed static lateral stability (dihedral effect) was positive in all conditions, but the stick-free dihedral effect was neutral at low speeds with flap and gear down, power on. 9. The yaw due to abrupt full aileron deflection at low speed was mot excessive, and the rudder control was adequate to hold trim sideslip. 10. In abrupt rudder-fixed aileron rolls in the clean configuration the maximum pb/2V for full aileron deflection at low and normal speeds was only 0.064. 11. The stalling characteristics were considered unsatisfactory in all configurations in both straight and turning flight due to inadequate stall warning. The motions in the stalls were not unduly severe, and recovery could be effected promptly by normal use of the controls.

Description: This paper presents the results of flight tests to determine the lateral and directional stability and control characteristics of the Grumman F8F-1 airplane with three vertical-tail configurations. The data presented herein have no bearing on the performance characteristics of the airplane, which were not measured but which were considered to be exceptionally good. The conclusions reached regarding the lateral and directional stability and control characteristics may be summarized as follows: 1. It was found that the directional stability was poor with the production vertical tail. Addition of a 12-inch extension to the vertical fin and rudder produced a desirable improvement in directional stability and control characteristics. However, further enlargement of the vertical tail would be required to make the directional stability satisfactory in all respects. 2. There was a tendency for the rudder control force to overbalance at large angles of right sideslip with the modified vertical tails. There was no such tendency with the production tail configuration which included a dorsal fin. It was concluded that the dorsal fin should have been retained on the modified vertical tails. 3. The aileron control characteristics were better than those of many comparable airplanes which have been tested. However, the ailerons did not satisfy the Navy requirements for satisfactory flying qualities with regard to either control forces or rolling effectiveness. 4. The power of the rudder trimming tab proved to be inadequate and the tab should be enlarged and/or be provided with an increased deflection range.

Description: The gust and draft velocities from records of NACA instruments installed in P-61c airplanes participating in thunderstorm flights at Clinton County Army Air Field, Ohio, from July 12, to July 18, 1947 are presented.

Description: The XF-12 airplane is a high-performance photo-reconnaissance aircraft designed for the Army Air Forces by the Republic Aviation Corporation. An investigation of a 1/8.33 - scale powered model was made in the Langley l9-foot pressure tunnel to obtain information relative to the aerodynamic design of the airplane. The model was tested with and without the original vertical tail. and with two revised tails. For the revised tail no. 1, the span of the original vertical .tail was increased about 15 percent and the portion of the vertical tail between the stabilizer and fuselage behind the rudder hinge line was allowed to deflect simultaneously with the main rudder. Revision no. 2 incorporated the increased span, but the lower rudder was locked in the neutral position. For all the tail arrangements investigated it was indicated that the airplane will possess positive effective dihedral and will be directionally stable regardless of flap or power condition. The rudder effectiveness is greater for the revised tails than for the original tail, but this is offset by the increase in directional stability caused by the revised tail. All the rudder arrangements appear inadequate in trimming out the resultant yawing moments at zero yaw in a take - off condition with the left-hand outboard propeller windmilling and the remaining engines developing take-off power.

Description: Flight tests were conducted at the Flight Test Station of the Pilotless Aircraft Research Division at Wallop Island, Va., to determine the longitudinal control and stability characteristics of 0.5-scale models of the Fairchild Lark pilotless aircraft with the tail in line with the wings a d with the horizontal wing flaps deflected 60 deg. The data were obtained by the use of a telemeter and by radar tracking.

Description: Tests were made with a C-54 airplane in which airline pilots made several blind approaches to determine whether any special flying techniques were used in blind landings and whether any special handling-qualities requirements would have to be formulated because of such special techniques. It was found that the airplane was flown at all times in the normal manner; that is, all turns were banked turns that were nearly coordinated by use of the rudder so that the sideslip was held close to zero. The pilot expended considerable physical work in continually moving the controls but this wake was due in part to the large friction in the three control systems. The actual control deflections used were small compared to the maximum deflections available.

Description: At the request of the Air Materiel Command, Army Air Forces, an investigation of the low-speed, power-off, stability and control characteristics of the McDonnell XP-85 airplane has been conducted in the Langley free-flight tunnel. The results of the portion of the investigation consisting of tests of a 1/10-scale model to study the stability of the XP-85 when attached to the trapeze and during retraction into the B-36 bomb bay are presented herein. In the power-off condition the stability was satisfactory with all oscillations well damped and the nose-restraining collar could be placed in position without difficulty. In a simulated power-on condition the model had a constant-amplitude rolling and sidewise motion and when the collar was layered, a violent motion resulted if the collar struck the model but failed to hold it in the proper manner. Folding of the wings and retraction into the bomb bay offered no problem once the airplane was properly held by the collar. It is recommended that the power be cut immediately after hooking on and that a restricting mechanism be incorporated in the center of the trapeze to eliminate the sidewise motion. It also appears desirable to have the retracting procedure controlled by the XP-85 pilot or an observer in the mother ship to insure that the parasite is in proper position after hooking up before bringing the collar down.

Description: The flight investigation of the C-54D airplane was initiated to determine the necessity of changes or additions to existing handling-qualities requirements to cove the case of instrument approaches with large airplanes. This paper gives a brief synopsis of the results and presents the measured data of tests to determine the stability and control characteristics. It was found that no new requirements were necessary to cover the problems of instrument approaches. The C-54D airplane tested met the Amy and Navy stability and control requirements except for the following items. The control-system friction with autopilot installed vas double that allowed by the requirements. The amount of friction was found to impair the controllability of the airplane in precision flying. The lateral and directional characteristics were good except that the maximum pb/2V was slightly below the minimum required, and the elevator-control forces to obtain the maximum pb/2V at low speeds were above the Army and Navy requirements. The longitudinal stability and control characteristics were good except that the elevator-control forces exceeded the limits of the Army and Navy requirements in turns and in landings. The stalling characteristics were considered good in all conditions with the stall warning in the form of tail buffeting occurring at speeds approximately 5 miles per hour above the stall.

Description: Attempts were made to alleviate the buffeting of external fuel tanks mounted under the wings of a twin-engine Navy fighter airplane. The Mach number at which buffeting began was increased from 0,529 to 0.640 by streamlining the sway braces and by increasing the lateral rigidity of the sway brace system. Further increase of the Mach number, at which buffeting began to 0.725, was obtained by moving the external fuel tank to a position under the fuselage.

Description: This paper gives an overview of equations for vibration and flutter affecting airplane wings in nonstationary flow.