Determination of Performance and Stability Parameters from Nonsteady Flight Test Maneuvers 700236

The paper describes a flight-test method yielding performance data and certain stability and control characteristics from measurements in a nonsteady symmetric flight-test maneuver. Tests performed according to this method provide rate of climb as a function of air speed at a fixed power setting, elevator angle to trim in steady straight flight, elevator angle per g in steady turning flight, the respective neutral and maneuver points stick-fixed, and, finally, the polar drag curve and a set of stability and control derivatives. A significant reduction in flight-test time appears to be possible by using this method. The tests to be described were aimed at ascertaining the repeatability of the results from the nonsteady maneuvers and at comparing the results with those obtained from tests in steady flight.