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Seckel, E.

Publications and source records attributed to Seckel, E..

8 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

In-flight simulation study of decoupled longitudinal controls for the approach and landing of a STOL aircraft

In this decoupled concept, the natural interactions of the flight variables were suppressed, and the pilot operated a separate controller for each (fore-and-aft control column for flight path angle without speed or pitch attitude change, for example). The handling qualities of the decoupled airplane were judged to be very favorable. The precise path control led to small touchdown point dispersion along with consistently low sink rates. The decoupled control system provided significantly better flying qualities than did conventional SAS applied to the same basic airframe.

Feinreich, B.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The landing flare: An analysis and flight-test investigation

Results are given of an extensive investigation of conventional landing flares in general aviation type airplanes. A wide range of parameters influencing flare behavior are simulated in experimental landings in a variable-stability Navion. The most important feature of the flare is found to be the airplane's deceleration in the flare. Various effects on this are correlated in terms of the average flare load factor. Piloting technique is extensively discussed. Design criteria are presented.

Seckel, E.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Integrated lift/drag controller for aircraft

A system for altering the lift/drag characteristics of powered aircraft to provide a safe means of glide path control includes a control device integrated for coordination action with the aircraft throttle. Such lift/drag alteration devices as spoilers, dive brakes, and the like are actuated by manual operation of a single lever coupled with the throttle for integrating, blending or coordinating power control. Improper operation of the controller is inhibited by safety mechanisms.

Olcott, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Experimental landings in a spoiler-equipped light aircraft.

This report presents the results of a flight test program to determine the effects on landings of wide variations in approach path angle and approach airspeed for different kinds of piloting technique. Over 400 landings were made at approach speeds from 60 to 120 mph and approach path angles from 3 to 18 deg. Several variations of pilot technique involving different operations of the throttle/spoiler control were investigated. It is shown that very large ranges of airspeed and approach path angle can be accommodated with rather moderate penalties in landing distance and difficulty. With the spoiler-equipped aircraft, the best approach speeds are considerably higher than would be usable without spoilers, and approach path angles can be used which are far beyond those normally possible without spoilers.

Seckel, E.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Exploratory flight investigation of ride quality in simulated STOL environment

A flight test experiment is described, in which various aspects of ride qualities were explored. Situations included simulated cruise and terminal area maneuvers, as might be typical of STOL transport operations. Various motion components were studied in isolation and in many combinations. The experiment included runs with and without turbulence, variations in airplane stability and handling qualities, and differences of pilot technique. The ride quality was strongly affected by roll, yaw, and heave motions; but very little by pitching. It was strongly affected by airplane stability and handling qualities and, in some cases, by piloting technique.

Seckel, E.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Integrated flight controller for light aircraft

Controller-throttle engages spoiler/dive brake system when throttle setting is below a fixed power setting and gradually increases effect of spoiler/dive brake as throttle is moved toward idle position; since action is automatically reversible, a sudden application of power abruptly terminates aerodynamic effects of spoiler/dive brake system.

Olcott, J. W.↗