An examination of the technique of the measurement of the longitudinal manoeuvring characteristics of an aeroplane, and a proposal for a standardised method

Abstract

It is demonstrated in this report that the 'steady stick force per g' as defined by Gates and Lyon in R. & M. 2027 is the best criterion for the measurement of manoeuvrability of an aircraft because: (a) practically, it indicates the minimum stick force that has to be exerted by the pilot to break the aircraft, and (b) its value is obtainable in flight by a perfectly definite test procedure. It is further concluded that some additional criterion may be necessary to ensure that unduly heavy forces are not encountered during sharp pull-outs. A method of measuring the steady stick force per g, has been developed at the Royal Aircraft Establishment which it is suggested should be standardised for such tests throughout the country. The results of this method have been demonstrated on two aircraft, a Mosquito and a Lancaster.