Some observations on manoeuvre stability and longitudinal control

Abstract

Some of the more important practical implications to pilot's control, flight test analysis, and stability augmentor performance of classical longitudinal stability theory are discussed. The distinction between turns and pull-ups is re-emphasized and the differences quantified. Angular momentum of the engines is shown to make a contribution which can be significant with S.T.O.L. aircraft, being destabilizing in turns in one direction but stabilizing in the opposite direction.