Take-off tests on a transport aircraft including the use of a 'SCAT' take-off director

Abstract

A large number of take-off tests have been made on a Comet aircraft with the object of (a) acquiring comprehensive data on undirected take-offs; (b) testing a SCAT take-off director. SCAT is explained in detail and the aircraft installation and test method described. Tests to determine ground effect on lift and on the SCAT Lift Transducer are also described. Undirected and directed take-offs are compared using statistical techniques and the performance of the director under abnormal conditions is discussed. The tests have confirmed that the variability of undirected take-offs is such that an improved pilot aid is needed. The comparison between undirected and SCAT directed take-offs indicates that, although this director did not significantly improve variability, pilot's work load was considerably reduced, especially under abnormal flight conditions. A simple technique has been developed for filming the pilot's eye movements to analyse his scan of the instrument panel and some results are discussed.