Flight Testing of Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Click for larger image Ralph D. Kimberlin, University of Tennessee Space Institute
AIAA Education Series
Published by AIAA, © 2003, 459 pages, Hardback
ISBN-10: 1-56347-564-2
ISBN-13: 978-1-56347-564-1

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The measurement of performance during an airplane's flight testing is one of the more important tasks to be accomplished during its development, as it impacts both the airplane's safety and its marketability. Performance sells airplanes.

This book discusses performance for both propeller-driven and jet aircraft. However, its principal emphasis is on propeller-driven aircraft, because much of the methodology for testing of propeller-driven aircraft has been lost with time.

The book is intended as a text for those teaching courses in fixed-wing flight testing. It is also a reference for those involved in flight test on a daily basis or those who need knowledge of flight testing to manage those activities. The book is divided into three sections. The first two sections--Performance, and Stability and Control--are arranged so that they might be taught as a semester course at the upper-level undergraduate or graduate level. The third section, Hazardous Flight Tests, provides information based upon more than 30 years of experience in performing and directing such tests and serves as a valuable reference.
Table of Contents:
  • Part I: Performance Flight Testing
  • Introduction
  • Methods for Reducing Data Uncertainty in Flight Test Data
  • Airspeed Systems Theory and Calibration
  • Stall Speed Measurement
  • Determination of Engine Power in Flight
  • Propeller Theory
  • Jet Thrust Measurement In Flight
  • Level Flight Performance Theory
  • Level Flight Performance Flight Test and Data Reduction Methods for Propeller-Driven Aircraft
  • Level Flight Performance Jet Aircraft
  • Range and Endurance
  • Climb Performance Theory
  • Climb Performance Data Reduction and Expansion
  • Energy Approach to Performance Flight Testing
  • Turning Performance
  • Methods for Drag Determination in Flight
  • Airspeed vs Flight Path Angle Performance Method for Powered-Lift Aircraft
  • Takeoff and Landing Theory and Methods
  • Part II: Stability and Control Flight Testing
  • Introduction to Stability and Control Flight Testing
  • Static Longitudinal Stability Theory
  • Static Longitudinal Stability Flight Test Methods
  • Dynamic Longitudinal Stability Theory
  • Dynamic Longitudinal Stability Flight Test Methods and Data Reduction
  • Longitudinal Maneuvering Stability Theory
  • Maneuvering Stability Methods and Data Reduction
  • Longitudinal Control and Trim Theory and Flight Test Methods
  • Methods for Improving Longitudinal Stability and Control
  • Lateral-Directional Stability Theory and Flight Test Methods
  • Dynamic Lateral-Directional Stability Theory and Flight Test Methods
  • Lateral Control Power (Rolling Performance)
  • Directional Control
  • Flying Qualities
  • Part III: Hazardous Flight Tests
  • Stall Characteristics
  • Airplane Spin Testing
  • Dive Testing for Flutter, Vibration, and Buffeting
Related Products:
Aircraft Performance: Theory and Practice - AIAA Education Series, Hardback
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