Bowman, James S. | Engineering Papers

NASA NTRS1965

Spin-Entry Characteristics of a Large Supersonic Bomber as Determined by Dynamic Model Tests

An investigation has been conducted in the Langley spin tunnel and at a catapult launch facility of a 1/60-scale dynamic model to determine the spin-entry characteristics of a large supersonic bomber. Catapult tests indicated that spin-entry motions were obtainable for a center-of-gravity location of 0.21 mean aerodynamic chord but were not obtainable at a center-of-gravity location of 0.25 mean aerodynamic chord. Deflected ailerons were effective in promoting or preventing the spin- entry motion and this effect was qualitatively the same as it was for the fully developed spin. Varying the configuration had little significant effect on the spin-entry characteristics. Brief tests conducted with the model in the Langley spin tunnel indicated that fully developed spins were obtainable at the forward center-of-gravity location and that spins were highly unlikely at the rearward center-of-location.

Bowman, James S.↗

NASA NTRS1965

Airplane Spinning

A summary on spinning is presented to point out the state of the art and the most important parameters', and to show the effects of these parameters on the spin and spin-recovery characteristics. The discussion presented applies to the fully developed spin, but does not apply to the spin entry, or incipient spin. The principal factors in spinning are mass distribution, which is by far the most important single parameter, and tail design, which is particularly important for conditions of zero or near-zero loading. By knowing the mass distribution and tail design, it is possible in many cases to predict whether an airplane has satisfactory spin-recovery characteristics. In other cases, however, it is necessary to make spin tests to assure satisfactory recovery.

Bowman, James S.↗