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Anderson, S. B.

Publications and source records attributed to Anderson, S. B..

At least 37 records · Page 2

A historic review of canard configurations

The first human-powered flight was achieved by a canard-configured aircraft (Wright Brothers). Although other canard concepts were flown with varying degrees of success over the years, the tail-aft configuration has dominated the aircraft market for both military and civil use. This paper reviews the development of canard aircraft with emphasis on stability and control, handling qualities, and operating problems. The results show that early canard concepts suffered adversely in flight behavior because of a lack of understanding of the sensitivities of these concepts to basic stability and control principles. Modern canard designs have been made competitive with tail-aft configurations by using appropriate handling qualities design criteria.

Anderson, S. B.↗

V/STOL maneuverability and control

Maneuverability and control of V/STOL aircraft in powered-lift flight is studied with specific considerations of maneuvering in forward flight. A review of maneuverability for representative operational mission tasks is presented and covers takeoff, transition, hover, and landing flight phases. Maneuverability is described in terms of the ability to rotate and translate the aircraft and is specified in terms of angular and translational accelerations imposed on the aircraft. Characteristics of representative configurations are reviewed, including experience from past programs and expectations for future designs. The review of control covers the characteristics inherent in the basic airframe and propulsion system and the behavior associated with ontrol augmentation systems. Demands for augmented stability and control response to meet certain mission operational requirements are discussed. Experience from ground-based simulation and flight experiments that illustrates the impact of augmented stability and control on aircraft design is related by example.

Franklin, J. A.↗

Handling qualities related to stall/spin accidents of supersonic fighter aircraft

This paper reviews the handling qualities which influence the high angle of attack (AOA) behavior of supersonic fighter aircraft in order to obtain a clearer understanding of the causes of stall/spin accidents. The results show that, because modern fighters suffer more serious consequences when control is lost, good handling qualities are essential for safe operation at high AOA. Relaxed static stability used on some fighter aircraft can result in control problems at high AOA owing to inertia coupling and the difficulty of a recovery from a deep stall. Indications are that the use of departure/spin resistance and an automatic spin prevention system will greatly improve the safety record for modern supersonic fighters.

Anderson, S. B.↗

An overview of V/STOL aircraft development

In reviewing the years of aviation development, it can be seen that vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) flight was considered before conventional fixed-wing operations. However, it has been difficult to develop a VTOL capability. The present investigation is concerned with a review of the historical development of VTOL aircraft, taking into account lessons learned from a selected group of concepts. Attention is given to the Flying Bedsteads, the tail-sitter designs, the Air Test Vehicle (ATV) and X-14 aircraft, the SC-1, the XV-3 tilt-rotor aircraft, the VZ3-RY deflected slipstream, the X-18 tilt wing, the VZ-2 tilt wing, the VZ-4 ducted fan, the Harrier, the XV-4A (Hummingbird), the Forger, and the XV-15 advanced tilt rotor.

Anderson, S. B.↗

Pilot human factors in stall/spin accidents of supersonic fighter aircraft

A study has been made of pilot human factors related to stall/spin accidents of supersonic fighter aircraft. The military specifications for flight at high angles of attack are examined. Several pilot human factors problems related to stall/spin are discussed. These problems include: (1) unsatisfactory nonvisual warning cues; (2) the inability of the pilot to quickly determine if the aircraft is spinning out of control, or to recognize the type of spin; (3) the inability of the pilot to decide on and implement the correct spin recovery technique; (4) the inability of the pilot to move, caused by high angular rotation; and (5) the tendency of pilots to wait too long in deciding to abandon the irrecoverable aircraft. Psycho-physiological phenomena influencin pilot's behavior in stall/spin situations include: (1) channelization of sensor inputs, (2) limitations in precisely controlling several muscular inputs, (3) inaccurate judgment of elapsed time, and (4) disorientation of vestibulo-ocular inputs. Results are given of pilot responses to all these problems in the F14A, F16/AB, and F/A-18A aircraft. The use of departure spin resistance and automatic spin prevention systems incorporated on recent supersonic fighters are discussed. These systems should help to improve the stall/spin accident record with some compromise in maneuverability.

Anderson, S. B.↗

Pilot Human Factors in Stall/Spin Accidents of Supersonic Fighter Aircraft

A study has been made of pilot human factors related to stall/spin accidents of supersonic fighter aircraft. The military specifications for flight at high angles of attack are examined. Several pilot human factors problems related to stall/spin are discussed. These problems include (1) unsatisfactory nonvisual warning cues; (2) the inability of the pilot to quickly determine if the aircraft is spinning out of control, or to recognize the type of spin; (3) the inability of the pilot to decide on and implement the correct spin recovery technique; (4) the inability of the pilot to move, caused by high angular rotation; and (5) the tendency of pilots to wait too long in deciding to abandon the irrecoverable aircraft. Psycho-physiological phenomena influencing pilot's behavior in stall/spin situations include (1) channelization of sensory inputs, (2) limitations in precisely controlling several muscular inputs, (3) inaccurate judgment of elapsed time, and (4) disorientation of vestibulo-ocular inputs. Results are given of pilot responses to all these problems in the F14A, F16/AB, and F/A-18A aircraft. The use of departure spin resistance and automatic spin prevention systems incorporated on recent supersonic fighters are discussed. These systems should help to improve the stall/spin accident record with some compromise in maneuverability.

Anderson, S. B.↗

The engineering investigation of aircraft accidents

The organization and plan for an investigation, procedures used at the scene of the accident, engineering aspects covered in the main investigation, use of special analytical techniques and simulation tools, and use of flight recorder data are discussed. Examples of investigations are used to illustrate the processes used.

Anderson, S. B.↗

V/STOL aircraft and fluid dynamics

The impact of military applications on rotorcraft and V/STOL aircraft design is summarized with respect to fixed-wing aircraft. The influence of the mission needs on the configurational design of V/STOL aircraft, the implications regarding some problems in fluid dynamics relating to propulsive flows, and their interaction with the aircraft and the ground plane, are also considered. Additional research in fluid dynamics that can contribute to an improvement in performance of V/STOL aircraft is suggested.

Roberts, L.↗

Historical overview of V/STOL aircraft technology

The requirements for satisfactory characteristics in several key technology areas are discussed and a review is made of various V/STOL aircraft for the purpose of assessing the success or failure of each design in meeting design requirements. Special operating techniques were developed to help circumvent deficiencies. For the most part performance and handling qualities limitations restricted operational evaluations. Flight operations emphasized the need for good STOL performance, good handling qualities, and stability and control augmentation. The majority of aircraft suffered adverse ground effects.

Anderson, S. B.↗

Alleviation of Spin-Entry Tendencies through Localization of Wing-Flow Separation

Studies have been made on several wing leading-edge modifications applicable at present to single-engine light aircraft, which produce stabilizing vortices at stall and beyond. These vortices have the effect of fixing the stall pattern of the wing such that the various portions of the wing upper surface stall nearly symmetrically. The lift coefficient produced is maintained at a high level to angles of attack significantly above the stall angle of the unmodified wing, and the divergence in roll usually is reduced to a controllable level. It is hypothesized that these characteristics will help prevent inadvertent spin entry after a stall. Results are presented from recent large-scale wind-tunnel tests of a typical light aircraft, both with and without the modifications. The data indicate (hot the static stall and poststall characteristics of this aircraft, in a typical landing-approach condition, are noticeably improved when it suitable leading-edge modification is employed; and also that no appreciable aerodynamic penalties are evident in the normal flight envelope.

Feistel, T. W.↗

A comparison of the V/STOL handling qualities of the VAK-191B with the requirements of AGARD report 577 and MIL-F-83300

The handling qualities of the VAK-191B VTOL aircraft are compared with current V/STOL handling qualities requirements. The aircraft handling qualities were superior to other V/STOL fighter aircraft. Several deficiencies which would seriously affect shipboard V/STOL operation includes: (1) poor hovering precision; (2) inadequate mechanical control characteristics; (3) nonlinear pitch and roll response; (4) an uncommanded movement of the height control lever; (5) low pitch control sensitivity; (6) excessive dihedral effect; and (7) inadequate overall thrust response. The attitude command control system resulted on reduced pilot workload during hover and low speed flight.

Anderson, S. B.↗

A historical overview of stall/spin characteristics of general aviation aircraft

Even today, stall/spin accidents involving general aviation aircraft account for more fatal and serious injuries than any other kind of accident. The classic stall/spin accident is one in which the pilot stalls the aircraft at too low an altitude to affect recovery. The primary attention in the investigation is given to aerodynamic considerations, although it is recognized that human factors and pilot training are also very important aspects of the total problem. A review of some 70 years of flight indicates that incorporation of the proper combination of aerodynamic parameters to provide good stall/spin avoidance has persistently remained an elusive goal for designers of general aviation aircraft.

Anderson, S. B.↗

A method for localizing wing flow separation at stall to alleviate spin entry tendencies

A wing leading-edge modification has been developed, applicable at present to single-engine light aircraft, which produces stabilizing vortices at stall and beyond. These vortices have the effect of fixing the stall pattern of the wing such that the various portions of the wing upper surface stall nearly symmetrically. The lift coefficient produced is essentially constant to very high angles of attack above the stall angle of the unmodified wing. It is hypothesized that these characteristics will help prevent inadvertent spin entry after a stall. Results are presented from recent large-scale wind-tunnel tests of a complete light aircraft, both with and without the modification.

Feistel, T. W.↗

How good is jet lift VTOL technology

The status of technologies for jet-lift V/STOL aircraft is examined, and a critical review of the performance of jet-lift VTOL aircraft built to date is made. Most jet-lift aircraft have suffered from adverse propulsion-induced effects during takeoff and landing. Flight dynamics of jet-lift aircraft have suffered from shortcomings in static and dynamic stability, control characteristics, and flight path control. Some of the main problems to be considered during the selection of a propulsion system arrangement for a V/STOL fighter are discussed. At present, experimental and analytical data on supersonic V/STOL configurations are insufficient to permit evaluating propulsion system arrangements.

Anderson, S. B.↗

Toward a new V/STOL generation

While many V/STOL problems are now better understood and technology has progressed to the point where higher thrust/weight ratios and greater stability augmentation are achievable, a number of still existing insufficiencies provide a sobering reminder that learning in ground testing and simulation, and careful methodical planning, are a prerequisite for any research and development program. The present paper is centered on the major technical problems for the Navy Type multimission V/STOL aircraft. The aircraft's configurations with and without forward lift fan are discussed, along with the propulsion systems, testing techniques, controls, displays, flight dynamics, and ground/flow field interactions.

Roberts, L.↗

A comparison of V/STOL handling requirements with the VAK-191B

The two available V/STOL criteria references were compared with flight measurements obtained on the VAK-191B along with the pilot's comments relative to the aircraft meeting the specifications. Differences in the specifications themselves were also noted. Handling qualities requirements for shipboard operation were emphasized.

Anderson, S. B.↗

The influence of handling qualities on safety and survivability

The relationship of handling qualities to safety and survivability of military aircraft is examined which includes the following: (1) a brief discussion of the philosophy used in the military specifications for treatment of degraded handling qualities, (2) an examination of several example handling qualities problem areas which influence safety and survivability; and (3) a movie illustrating the potential dangers of inadequate handling qualities features.

Anderson, S. B.↗