Many of the research aircraft flown since the late 1940s have been air launched, rocket powered vehicles which have been landed power-off on one of the dry lakebeds in the Edwards complex. Most of the landing patterns for these aircraft have been characterized by high airspeeds, high descent rates, and low lift to drag ratios. Pattern shapes have not been consistent. That is, some aircraft entered on a base leg with only a 90-degree turn to final; some straight in approaches have been flown; also, 180 deg, 270 deg, and 360 deg patterns have been used. Pattern characteristics have been dictated by the aircraft performance, operational policies, and data requirements. However, whatever the characteristics, it is obvious from the high risk of power off approaches that a simulator aircraft for practicing approaches is an absolute safety requirement. Simulation is especially important prior to the first flight of a new aircraft, or prior to the checkout flight of a new pilot in a proven aircraft. Also, the frequency of flights of air launched vehicles is usually low (not more than two flights per month). Therefore, simulation is valuable for maintaining proficiency in these types of approaches in between actual test flights.


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    Title :

    Volume 1. Performance Flight Testing Phase. Chapter 3. Low L/D


    Publication date :

    1992


    Size :

    48 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English