Excess airspeed at landing is just as undesira-
ble as a deficiency of airspeed. An cxccssivc
airspeed at landing will produce an undesirable
increase in landing distance and the energy to
be dissipated by the brakes for the field landing
or excessive arresting loads for theshipboard
landing. In addition, the excess airspeed is a
corollary of too low an angle of attack and the
airplane may contact the deck or runway nose
wheel first and cause damage to the nose wheel
or begin a porpoising of the airplane. During
a flare to landing, any excess speed will be
difficult to dissipate due to the reduction of
drag due to ground effect. Thus, if the air-
plane is held off with excess airspeed the air-
plane will “float” with the consequence of a
barrier engagement, barricade engagement,
bolter, or considerable runway distance used
before touchdown.
A fundamental requirement for a good land-
ing is a well planned and executed approach.
The possibility of errors during the landing
process is minimized when the airplane is
brought to the point of touchdown with the
proper glide path and airspeed. With the
proper approach, there is no need for drastic
changes in the flight path, angle of attack, or
power setting to accomplish touchdown at the
intended point on the deck or runway. Late
corrections to line up with the deck or diving
for the deck are common errors which eventu-
ally result in landing accidents. Accurate
control of airspeed and glide path are ab-
solutely necessary and the LSO, angle of attack
indicator, and the mirror landing system pro-
vide great assistance in accurate control of the
airplane.
THE TAKEOFF
As in the case of landing, the specific tech-
niques necessary may vary greatly between
various types of airplanes and various oper-
ations but certain fundamental principles will
be common to all airplanes and all operations.
The specific procedures recommended for each
airplane type must be followed exactly to
MAVWEPS OD-BOT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
insure a consistent, safe takeoff flying tech-
nique.
TAKEOFF SPEED AND DISTANCE. The
takeoff speed of any airplane is some mini-
mum practical airspeed which allows sufficient
margin above stall and provides satisfactory
control and initial rate of climb.. Depending
on the airplane characteristics, the takeoff
speed will be some value 5 to 25 percent above
the stall or minimum control speed. As such,
the takeoff will be accomplished at a certain
value of lift coefficient and angle of attack
specific to each airplane configuration. As
a result, the takeoff airspeed (FAX or CM) of
any specific airplane configuration is a function
of the gross weight at takeoff. Too low an
airspeed at takeoff may cause stall, lack of
adequate control, or poor initial climb per-
formance. An excess of speed at takeoff may
provide better control and initial rate of climb
but the higher speed requires additional dis-
tance and may provide critical conditions for
the tires.
The takeoff distance of an airplane is affected
by many different factors other than technique
and, prior to takeoff, the takeoff distance
must be determined and compared with the
runway length available. The principal factors
affecting the takeoff distance are as follows:
(1) The gross weight of the airplane has
a considerable effect on takeoff distance be-
cause it affects both takeoff speed and ac-
celeration during takeoff roll.
(2) The surface winrls must be considered
because of the powerful effect of a headwind
or tailwind on the takeoff distance. In the
case of the crosswind, the component of
wind along the runway will be the effective
headwind or tailwind velocity. In addi-
tion, the component of wind across the run-
way will define certain requirements of lateral
control power and the limiting compo-
nent wind must not be exceeded.
(3) Pressure altitude and temperature can
cause a large effect on takeoff distance, es-
pecially in the case of the turbine powered
NAVWEPS OD-SOT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS,
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
airplane. Density altitude will determine
the true airspeed at takeoff and can affect
the takeoff acceleration by altering the
powerplant thrust. The effect of tempeta-
ture alone is important in the case of the
turbine powered aircraft since inlet air tem-
perature will affect powerplant thrust. Ic
should be noted that a typical turbojet ait-
plane may he approximately twice as sensi-
tive to density altitude and five to ten times
as sensitive to temperature as a representa-
cive reciprocating engine powered airplane.
(4) Specific humidity must be accounted
for in the case of the reciprocating engine
powered airplane. A high water vapor
content in the air will cause a definite reduc-
tion in takeoff power and takeoff acceler-
ation.
(5) The runluay condition will deserve con-
sideration when the takeoff acceleration is
basically low. The runway slope must be
compared carefully with the surface winds
because ordinary values of runway slope will
usually favor choice of the runway with
headwind and upslope rather than down-
slope and tailwind. The surface condition
of the runway has little bearing on takeoff
distance as long as the runway is a hard
surface.
Each .of these factors must be accounted
for and the takeoff distance properly com-
puted for the existing conditions. Since
obstacle clearance distance is generally a
function of the same factors which affect
takeoff distance, the obstacle clearance dis-
tance is usually related as some proportion
of the takeoff distance. Of course, the take-
off and obstacle clearance distances related
by the handbook data will be obtained by
the techniques and procedures outlined in the
handbook.
TYPICAL ERRORS. The takeoff distance
of an airplane should be computed for each
takeoff. A most inexcusable error would be to
attempt takeoff from a runway of insufficient
length. Familiarity with the airplane hand-
book performance data and proper accounting
of weight, wind, altitude, temperature, etc.,
are necessary parts of flying. Conditions of
high gross weight, high pressure altitude and
temperature, and unfavorable winds create the
extreme requirements of runway length, espe-
cially for the turbine powered airplane. Under
these conditions, use of the handbook data is
mandatory and no guesswork can be tolerated.
One typical.etror of takeoff technique is the
premature or excess pitch rotation of the air-
plane. Premzture or excm pitch rotation of the
airplane may seriously reduce the takeoff accel-
eration and increase the takeoff distance. In
addition, when the airplane is placed at an
excessive angle of attack during takeoff, the
airplane may become airborne at too low a
speed and the result may be a stall, lack of ade-
quate control (especially in a crosswind), or
poor initial climb performance. In fact. there
are certain low aspect ratio configurations of
airplanes which, at an excessive angle of ar-
tack, will not fly out of ground effect. Thus,
over-rotation of the airplane ,during takeoff
may hinder takeoff acceleration or the.initial
climb. It is quite typical for an airplane to be
placed at an excess angle of attack and become
airborne prematurely then settle back fo rhe
runway. When the proper angle of attack is
assumed, the airplane simply accelerates to the
takeoff speed and becomes airborne wirh suf-
ficient initial rate of climb. In this sense, the
appropriate rotation and takeoff speeds or an
angle of attack indicator must be used.
If the airplane is subject to a sudden pull-up
or Jteep tzzra after becoming airborne, rhe,resulr
may be a stall, spin, or reduction in initial rate
of climb. The increased angle of attack may
exceed the critical angle of attack or the in-
crease in induced drag may be quite large. For
this reason, any clearing turns made immedi-
ately after takeoff or deck launch must be slight
and well within the capabilities of the air-
plane.
In order to obviate some of the problems
of a deficiency of airspeed at takeoff, usual
result can be an excess of airspeed at takeoff.
The principal effect of an BXCBJS takeoff air@pssd
is the greater takeoff distance which results.
The general effect is that each 1 percent excess
takeoff velocity incurs approximately 2 per-
cent additional takeoff distance. Thus, excess
speed must be compared with the additional
runway required to produce the higher speed.
In addition, the aircraft tires may be subject
to critical loads when the airplane is at very
high rolling speeds and speeds in excess of a
basically high takeoff speed may produce
damage or failure of the tires.
As with the conditions of landing, excess
velocity or deficiency of velocity at takeoff
is undesirable. The proper takeoff speeds and
angle of attack must be utilized to assure
satisfactory takeoff performance.
GUSTS AND WIND SHEAR
The variation of wind velocity and direction
throughout the atmosphere is important be-
cause of its effect on the aerodynamic forces
and moments on an airplane. As the airplane
traverses this variation of wind velocity and
direction during flight, the changes in airflow
direction and velocity create changes in the
aerodynamic forces and moments and produce
a response of the airplane. The variation of
airflow velocity along a given direction exists
with shear parallel to the flow direction.
Hence, the velocity gradients are often re-
ferred to as the wind “shear.”
The effect of the vertical gust has important
effects on the airplane at high speed because
of the possibility of damaging flight loads.
The mechanism of vertical gust is illustrated
in figure 6.5 where the vertical gust velocity
is added vectorially to the flight velocity to
produce some resultant velocity. The principal
effect of the vertical gust is to produce a change
in airplane angle of attack, e.g., a positive
(up) gust causes an increase in angle of attack
NAVWEPS DD-BOT-BD
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
while a negative (down) gust causes a de-
crease in angle of attack. Of course, a change
in angle of attack will effect a change in lift
and, if some critical combination of high gust
intensity and high flight speed is encountered,
the change in lift may be large enough to
cause structural damage.
At low flight speeds during approach, land-
ing, and takeoff, the effect of the vertical gust
is due to the same mechanism of the change
in angle of attack. However, at these low
flight speeds, the problem is one of possible
incipient stalling and sinking rather than
overstress. When the airplane is at high
angle of attack, a further increase in angle of
attack due to a gust may exceed the critical
angle of attack and cause an incipient stalling
of the airplane. Also, a decrease in angle
of attack due to a gust will cause a loss of lift
and allow the airplane to sink. For this
reason, any deficiency of airspeed will be quite
critical when operating in gusty conditions.
The effect of the hori<oonral gust differs from
the effect of the vertical gust in that the im-
mediate effect is a change of airspeed rather
than a change in angle of attack. In this
sense, the horizontal gust is of little conse-
quence in the major airplane airloads and
strength limitations. Of greater significance
is the response of the airplane to horizontal
gusts and wind shear when operating at low
flight speeds. The possible conditions in
which an airplane may encounter horizontal
gusts and wind shear are illustrated in figure
6.5. As the airplane traverses a shear of wind
direction, a change in headwind component
will exist. Also, a climbing or descending
airplane may traverse a shear of wind velocity,
i.e., a wind profile in which the wind velocity
varies with altitude.
The response of an airplane is much de-
pendent upon the airplane characteristics but
certain basic effects are common to all ait-
planes. Suppose that an airplane is estab-
lished in steady, level flight with lift equal to
weight, thrust equal to drag, and trimmedso
NAVWEPS OG-8OT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
EFFECT OF VERTICAL GUST
CHANGE IN ANGLE OF ATTACK
OF WIND
-1
VERTICAL VARll
TRANSIENT
CONDITION FROM
WIND SHEAR
STEADY
LEVEL LIFT
FLIGHT
OR HORIZONTAL GUST 1 LIFT I
Figure 6.5. Effect of Wind Shear
there is no unbalance of pitching, yawing, or
rolling moment. If the airplane traverses a
sharp wind shear equivalent to a horizontal
gust, the resulting change in airspeed will
disturb such an equilibrium. For example, if
the airplane encounrers a sharp horizontal
gust which reduces the airspeed 20percent,the
new airspeed (80 percent of the original value)
produces lift and drag at the same angle of
attack which are 64 percent of the original
value. The change in these aerodynamic forces
would cause the airplane to accelerate in the
direction of resultant unbalance of force.
That is, the airplane would accelerate down
and forward until a new equilibrium is
achieved. In addition, there would be a
change in pitching moment which would
produce a response of the airplane in pitch.
The response of the airplane to a horizontal
gust will differ according to the gust gradient
and airplane characccristics. Gmcrally, if the
airplane encounters a sharp wind shear which
reduces the airspeed, the airplane tends to sink
and incur a loss of altitude ‘before equilibrium
conditions are achieved. Similarly, if the
airplane encounters a sharp wind shear which
increases the airspeed, the airplane tends to
float and incur a gain of altitude before equilib-
rium conditions are achieved.
Significant vertical and horizontal gusts may
be due to the terrain or atmospheric conditions.
The proximity’of an unstable front or thunder-
storm activity’in the vicinity of the airfield is
likely to create significant wind shear and gust
activity at low altitude. During gusty condi-
tions every effort must be made for precise con-
trol of airspeed and flight path and any changes
due to gusts must be corrected by proper con-
trol action. Under extreme gusts conditions,
it may be advisable to utilize approach, land-
ing, and takeoff speeds slightly greater than
normal to provide margin for adequate control.
POWER-OFF GLIDE PERFORMANCE
The gliding performance of an airplane is of
special interest for the single-engine airplane
NAVWEPS O&ROT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
in the case of powerplant failure or malfunc-
tion. When a powerplant failure or malfunc-
tion occurs, it is usually of interest to obtain a
gliding flight path which results in the mini-
mum glide angle. The minimum glide angle
will produce the greatest proportion of glide
distance to altitude loss and will result in
maximum glide range or minimum expendi-
ture of altitude for a specific glide distance.
GLIDE ANGLE AND LIFT-DRAG RATIO.
In the study of climb performance, the forces
acting on the airplane in a steady climb (or
glide) produce the following relationship:
where
Y=: angle of climb, degrees
T-thrust, lbs.
D-drag, lbs.
W=: lbs.
In the case of power-off glide performance, the
thrust, T, is zero and the relationship reduces
to:
D sin y= -- W
By this relationship it is evident that the mini-
mum angle of glide-or minimum negative
climb angle-is obtained at the aerodynamic
conditions which incur the minimum total
drag. Since the airplane lift is essentially equal
to the weight, the minimum angle of glide
will be obtained when the airplane is operated
at maximum lift-drag ratio, (L/D)ma,. When
the angle of glide is relatively small, the ratio
of glide distance to glide altitude is numeri-
cally equal to the airplane lift-drag ratio.
glide ratio= glide distance, ft.
glide altitude, ft.
glide ratio = (L/D)
Figure 6.6 illustrates the forces acting on the
airplane in a power-off glide. The equilibrium
of the steady glide is obtained when the sum-
mation of forces in the vertical and horizontal
directions is equal to zeta.
NAVWEPS 00-801-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
+Y
l--J-@$!?e
DRAG
\ SIN 7 = - j WEIGHT
LIFT-OR&G
RATIO
L4l
GLIDE RATIO * L/o
r )M
-CLEAN CONFIGURATION
!
A <LANDING CONFIGURATION
LIFT COEFFICIENT, CL
RATE OF
DESCENT,
FPM
CLEAN CONFIGURATION
POWER OFF
VELOCITY, KNOTS
Figure 6.6. Glide Performance
NAVWEPS W-ROT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
speed will not cause any significant reduction
of glide ratio. This is fortunate and allows the
specifying of convenient glide speeds which
will be appropriate for a range of gross weights
at which power-off gliding may be encoun-
tered, e.g., small quantities of fuel remaining.
An attempt to stretch a glide by flying at
speeds above or below the best glide speed will
prove futile. As shown by the illustration of
figure 6.6, any C, above or below the optimum
will produce a lift-drag ratio less than the
maximum. If the airplane angle of attack is
increased above the value for (L/D),,, a tran-
sient reduction in rate of descent will take place
but this process must be reserved for the land-
ing phase. Eventually, the steady-state condi-
tions would be achieved and the increased
angle of attack would incur a lower airspeed
and a reduction in (L/D) and glide ratio.
The effect of gross weight on glide performance
may be difficult to appreciate. Since (L/D)-
of a given airplane configuration will occur at a
specific value of C,, the gross weight of the air-
plane will not affect the glide ratio if the air-
plane is operated at the optimum C,. Thus,
two airplanes of identical aerodynamic con-
figuration but different gross weight could
glide the same distance from the same altitude.
Of course, this fact would be true only if both
airplanes are flown at the specific C, to produce
(L/D),,. The principal difference would be
that the heavier airplane must fly at a higher
airspeed to support the greater weight at the
optimum C,. In addition, the heavier airplane
flying at the greater speed along the same flight
path would develop a greater rate of descent.
The relationship which exists between gross
weight and velocity for a particular C, is as
follows:
In order to obtain maximum glide ratio, the
airplane must be operated at the angle of at-
tack and lift coefficient which provide maxi-
mum lift-drag ratio. The illustration of figure
6.6 depicts a variation of lift-drag ratio, L/D,
with lift coeficient, C,, for a typical airplane
in the clean and landing configurations. Note
that (LID),,, for each configuration will occur
at a specihc value of lift coefficient and, hence,
a specific angle of attack. Thus, the maximum
glide performance of a given airplane configu-
ration will be unaffected by gross weight and
altitude when the airplane is operated at
(L/D),az. Of course, an exception occurs at
very high altitudes where compressibility ef-
fects may alter the aerodynamic characteristics.
The highest value of (L/D) will occur with the
airplane in the clean configuration. As the
airplane is changed to the landing configura-
tion, the added parasite drag reduces (L/D)_nz
and the C, which produces (L/D),, will be in-
creased. Thus, the best glide speed for the
landingconhguration generallywill be lessthan
the best glidespeed .for theclean configuration.
The power-off glide performance may be
appreciated also by the graph of rate of descent
versus velocity shown in figure 6.6. When a
straight line is drawn from the origin tangent
to the curve, a point is located which produces
the maximum proportion of velocity to rate
of descent. Obviously, this condition provides
maximum glide ratio. Since the rate of descent
is proportional to the power required, the
points of tangency define the aerodynamic
condition of (L/D)m.z.
FACTORS AFFECTING GLIDE PER-
FORMANCE. In order to obtain the mini-
mum glide angle through the air, the airplane
must be operated at (L/D)mor. The subsonic
(LIDL of a given airplane configuration will
occur at a specific value of lift coefficient and
angle of attack. However, as can be noted
from the curves of figure 6.6, small deviations
from the optimum C, will not cause a drastic
reduction of (L/D) and glide ratio. In fact, a
5 percent deviation in speed from the best glide
-4 VT- w, VI w, (constant C,>
where
VI= best glide speed corresponding to
some original gross weight. WI
V,=best glide speed corresponding to
some new gross weight, IV2
NAVWEPS OD-ROT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO ‘SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYl,NG
As a result of this relationship, a IO percent
increase in gross weight would require a 5 per-
cent increase in glide speed to maintain
(L/D),,. While small. variations in gross
weight may produce a measurable change in
best glide speed, the airplane can tolerate small
deviations from the optimum C, without signif-
icant change in (L/D) and glide ratio. For this
reason, a standard, single value of glide speed
may be specified for a small range of gross
weights at which glide performance can be of
importance. A gross weight which is con-
siderably different from the normal range will
require a modification of best glide speed to
maintain the maximum glide ratio.
The effect a! &it.& on glide performance is
insignificant if there is no change in (L/D),.,.
Generally, the glide performance of the major-
ity of airplanes is subsonic and there is no
noticeable variation of (L/D),, with altitude.
Any specific airplane configuration at a partic-
ular gross weight will require a specific value
of dynamic pressure to sustain flight at the
C, for (L/D),,. Thus, the airplane will have
a best glide speed which is a specific value of
equivalent airspeed (EAS) independent of
altitude. For convenience and simplicity, this
best glide speed is specified as a specific value
of indicated airspeed (IAS) and compressibility
and position errors are neglected. The prin-
cipal effect of altitude is that at high altitude
the true airspeed (TAX) and rate of descent
along the optimum glide path are increased
above the low altitude conditions. However,
if WD),.z is maintained, the glide angle and
glide ratio are identical to the low altitllde
conditions.
The effect of configura+~n has been noted pre-
viously in that the addition of parasite drag by
flaps, landing gear, speed brakes, external
stores, etc. will reduce the maximum lift-drag
ratio and cause a reduction of glide ratio. In
the case where glide distance is of great im-
portance, the airplane must be maintained in
the clean configuration and flown at (L/D),=,
The eficct aj wind on gliding performance is
similar to the effect of wind on cruising range.
That is, a headwind will always reduce the
glide range and a tailwind will always increase
the glide range. The maximum glide range
of the airplane in still air will be obtained by
flight at (L/D),,,,. However, when a wind is
present, the optimum gliding conditions may
not be accomplished by operation at (L/D)ma.
For example, when a headwind is present,
the optimum glide speed will be increased to
obtain a maximum proportion of ground dis-
tance to altitude. In this sense, the increased
glide speed helps to minimize the detrimental
effect of the headwind. In the case of a tail-
wind, the optimum glide speed will be reduced
to maximize the benefit of the tailwind. For
ordinary wind conditions, maintaining the
glide speed best for zero wind conditions will
suffice and the loss or gain in glide distance
must be accepted. However, when the wind
conditions are extreme and the wind velocity
is large in comparison with the glide speed,
e.g., wind velocity greater than 25 percent of
the glide speed, changes in the glide speed must
be made to obtain maximum possible ground
distance.
THE FLAMEOUT PATTERN. In the case
of failure of the powerplant, every effort
should be made to establish a well-planned,
stabilized approach if a suitable landing area
is available. Generally a 360’ overhead ap-
proach is specified with the approach begin-
ning from the “high key” point of the flameout
pattern. The function of a standardized
pattern is to provide a flight path well within
the capabilities of the airplane and the abilities
of the pilot to judge and control the flight
path. The flight handbook will generally
specify the particulars of the flameout pattern
such as the altitude at the high key, glide
speeds, use of flaps, etc. Of course, the par-
ticulars of the flameout pattern will be de-
termined by the aerodynamic characteristics
of the airplane. A principal factor is the
effect of glide ratio, or (L/D),,, on the alti-
tude required at the high key point at the ~ _
beginning of the flameour pattern. The air-
plane with a low value of (L/D),,* will require
a high altitude at the high key point.
The most favorable situation during a
flameout would be for the airplane to in posi-
tion to arrive over the intended landing area
the altitude for the high key point. In this
case, the standard flameout pattern could be
utilized. If the airplane does not have s&i-
cient glide range to arrive at the landing
area with the altitude for the high key point,
it is desirable to fit the approach into the
lower portions of the standard flameout ap-
proach. If it is not possible to arrive at the
intended landing area with sufficient altitude
to “play” the approach, serious considera-
tion should be given to ejection while suffi-
cient altitude remains. Deviations from a
well-planned approach such as the standard
flameout pattern may allow gross errors in
judgment. A typical error of a non-standard
or poorly executed flameout approach is the
use of excessive angles of bank in turns to
correct the approach. Because of the great
increase ‘in induced drag at large angles of
bank, excessive rates of descent will be incurred
and there will be further deviations from a
desirable flight path.
The power-off gliding characteristics of the
airplane can be simulated in power on flight by
certain combinations of engine power setting
and position of the speed brake or dive Rap.
This will allow the pilot to become familiar
with the power-off glide performance and the
flameopt landing pattern. In addition, the
simulated flameout pattern is useful during a
precautionary landing when the powerplant is
malfunctioning and there is the possibility of
an actual flarneout.
The final approach and landing flare will be
particularly critical for the airplane which has*
a low glide ratio but a high best glide speed.
These airplane characteristics are typical of the
modern configuration of airplane which has
NAVWEPS OD-ROT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
low aspect ratio, sweepback, and high wing
loading. Since these airplane characteristics
also produce marginal flare capability in power-
off flight, great care should be taken to follow
the procedure recommended for the specific
airplane.
As an example of the power-off glide per-
formance of an airplane with low aspect ratio,
sweepback, and high wing loading, a best
glide speed of 220 knots and a glide ratio of 6
may be typical. In such a case, the rate of
descent during the glide at low altitude would
be on the order of 3,700 FPM. Any deviations
from the recommended landing technique can-
not be tolerated because of the possibility of an
excessive rate of descent. Either premature
flare or delayed flare may allow the airplane to
touch down at a rate of descent which would
cause structural failure. Because of the mar-
ginal flare characteristics in power-off flight,
the best glide speed recommended for the land-
ing configuration may be well above the speed
corresponding to the exact maximum lift-drag
ratio. The greater speed reduces induced drag
and provides a greater margin for a successful
power-off landing flare.
In the extreme case, the power-off glide and
landing flare characteristics may be very criti-
cal for certain airplane configurations. Thus,
a well-planned standard flameout pattern and
precise flying technique are necessary and, if
very suitable conditions are not available, the
recommended alternative is simple: eject!
EFFECT OF ICE AND FROST ON AIRPLANE
PERFORMANCE
Without exception, the formation of ice or
frost on the surfaces of an airplane will cause a
detrimental effect on aerodynamic performance.
The ice or frost formation on the airplane sur-
faces will alter the aerodynamic contours and
affect the nature of the boundary layer. Of
course, the most important surface of the air-
plane is the wing and the formation of ice or
frost can create significant changes in the aero-
dynamic characteristics.
NAVWEPS DO-80T-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
EDGE ICE FOR_“ATlON
UPPER SURFACE FROST
BASIC SMOOTH WING
WING WITH FROST
LIFT
COEFFICIENT WITH ICE
ANGLE OF ATTACK, a
Figure 6.7. Effect of ice and Frost
A large formation of ice on the leading edge
of the wing can produce large changes in the
local contours and severe local pressure gra-
dients. The extreme surface roughness common
to some forms of ice will cause high surface
friction and a considerable reduction of bound-
ary layer energy. As a result of these effects,
the ice formation can produce considerable in-
crease in drag and a large reduction in maxi-
mum lift coefficient. Thus, the ice formation
will cause an increase in power required and
stall speed. In addition, the added weight of
the ice formation on the airplane will provide
an undesirable effect. Because of the detri-
mental effects of ice formation, recommended
anti-icing procedures must be followed to
preserve the airplane performance.
The effect of frost is perhaps more subtle
than the effect of ice formation on the aero-
dynamic characteristics of the wing. The ac-
cumulation of a hard coat of frost on the wing
upper surface will provide a surface texture of
considerable roughness. While the basic shape
and aerodynamic contour is unchanged, the
increase in surface roughness increases skin-
friction and reduces the kinetic energy of the
boundary layer. As a result, there will be an
increase in drag but, of course, the magnitude
of drag increase will not compare with the
considerable increase due to a severe ice forma-
tion. The reduction of boundary layer kinetic
energy will cause incipient stalling of the wing,
i.e., separation will occur at angles of attack
and lift coefficients lower than for the clean,
smooth wing. While the reduction in C,,,,
due to frost formation ordinarily is not as great
as that due to ice formation, it is usually un-
expected because it may be thought that large
changes in the aerodynamic shape (such as
due to ice) are necessary to reduce CL,az. How-
ever, the kinetic energy of the boundary layer
is an important factor influencing separation
of the airflow and this energy is reduced by an
increase in surface roughness.
The general effects of ice and frost formation
NAVWEPS OD-BOT-80
APP,LlCATlON OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
on the lift characteristics is typified by the il-
lustration of figure 6.7.
The effect of ice or frost on takeoff and land-
ing performance is of great importance. The
effects are so detrimental to the landing and
takeoff that no effort should be spared to keep
the airplane as free as possible from any ac-
cumulation of ice or frost. If any ice remains
on the airplane as the landing phase approaches
it must be appreciated that the ice formation
will have reduced CL,., and incurred an increase
in stall speed. Thus, the landing speed will be
greater. When this effect is coupled with the
possibility of poor braking action during the
landing roll, a critical situation can exist. It is
obvious that .great effort must be made to
prevent the accumulation of ice during flight.
In no circumstances should a formation of ice
or frost be allowed to remain on the airplane
wing surfaces prior to takeoff. The undesir-
able effects of ice are obvious but, as previously
mentioned, the effects of frost are more subtle.
If a heavy coat of hard frost exists on the wing
upper surface, a typical reduction in CL,..
would cause a 5 to 10 percent increase in the
airplane stall speed. Because of this magnitude
of effect, the effect of frost on takeoff per-
formance may not be realized until too late.
The takeoff speed of an airplane is generally
some speed 5 to 25 percent greater than the
stall speed, hence the takeoff lift coefficient
will be value from 90 to 65 percent of C1,,..,
Thus, it is possible that the airplane with frost
cannot become airborne at the specified take-
off speed because of premature stalling. Even
if the airplane with frost were to become air-
borne at the specified takeoff speed, the air-
plane could have insufficient margin of air-
speed above stall and turbulence, gusts, turning
flight could produce incipient or con plete
stalling of the airplane.
The increase in drag during takeoff roll due
to frost or ice is not considerable and there
will not be any significant effect on the initial
acceleration during takeoff. Thus, the effect
of frost or ice will be most apparent during the
NAVWEPS DD-8OT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
later portions of takeoff if the airplane is un-
able to become airborne or if insufficient margin
above stall speed prevents successful initial
climb, In no circumstances should a formation
of ice or frost be allowed to remain on the air-
plane wing surfaces prior to takeoff.
ENGINE FAILURE ON THE MULTIENGINE
AIRPLANE
In the case of the single-engine airplane,
power-plant failure leaves only the alternatives
of effecting a successful power-off landing or
abandoning the airplane. In the case of the
multiengine airplane, the failure of a power-
plant does nor necessarily constitute a disaster
since flight may be continued with the remain-
ing powerplants functioning. However, the
performance of the multiengine airplane with
a powerplant inoperative may be critical for
certain conditions of flight and specific tech-
niques and procedures must be observed to
obtain adequate performance.
The effect of a powerplant failure on the
multiengine turbojet airplane is illustrated by
the first chart of figure 6.8 with the variation
of required and available thrust with velocity.
If half of the airplane powerplants are inoper-
ative, e.g., single-engine operation of a twin-
engine airplane, the maximum thrust available
at each velocity is reduced to half that avail-
able prior to the engine failure. The variation
of thrust required with velocity may be
affected by the failure of a powerplant in that
there may be significant increases in drag if
specific procedures are not followed. The
inoperative powerplant may contribute addi-
tional drag and the pilot must insure that the
additional drag is held to a minimum. In the
case of the propeller powered airplane, the
propeller must be feathered, cowl flaps closed.
etc., as the increased drag will detract con-
siderably from the performance.
The principal effects of the reduced available
thrust are pointed out by the illustration of
figure 6.6. Of course, the lower available
thrust will reduce the maximum level flight
speed but of greater importance is the reduc-
tion in excess thrust. Since the acceleration
and climb performance is a function of the
excess thrust and power, the failure of a power-
plant will be most immediately appreciated in
this area of performance. As illustrated in
figure 6.8, loss of one-half the maximum avail-
able thrust will reduce the excess thrust to less
than half the original value. Since some
thrust is required to sustain flight, the excess
which remains to accelerate and climb the
airplane may be greatly reduced. The most
critical conditions will exist when various
factors combine to produce a minimum of
excess thrust or power when engine failure
occurs. Thus, critical conditions will be com-
mon to high gross weight and high density altitude
(and high temperatures in the case of the
turbine powered airplane) as each of these
factors will reduce the excess thrust at any
specific flight condition.
The asymmetrical power condition which
results when a powerplant fails can provide
critical control requirements. First consid-
eration is due the yawing moment produced
by the asymmetrical power condition. Ade-
quate directional control will be available
only when the airplane speed is greater than
the minimum directional control speed. Thus,
the pilot must insure that the flight speed never
falls below the minimum directional control
speed because the application of maximum
power on the functioning powerplants will
produce an uncontrollable yaw if adequate
directional control is unavailable. A second
consideration which is due the propeller
powered airplane involves the rolling moments
caused by the slipstream velocity. Asym-
metrical power on the propeller airplane will
create a dissymmetry of the slipstream veloc-
ities on the wing and create rolling moments
which must be controlled. These slipstream
induced rolling moments will be greatest at
high power and low velocity and the pilot
must be sure of adequate lateral control,
especially for the crosswind landing.
The effect of an engine failure on the remain-
ing range and endurance is specific to the air-
plane type and configuration. If an engine
fails during optimum cruise of the turbojet
airplane, the airplane must descend and experi-
ence a loss of range. Since the turbojet air-
plane is generally overpowered at (L/D),,,
a loss of a powerplant will not cause a signi-
ficant change in maximum endurance. If an
engine fails during cruise of a reciprocating
powered airplane, there will be a significant
loss of range only if the maximum range condi-
tion cannot be sustained with the remaining
powerplants operating within the cruise power
rating. If a power greater than the maximum
cruise rating is necessary to sustain cruise, the
specific fuel consumption increases and causes
a reduction of range. Essentially the same
relationship exists regarding maximum endur-
ance of the reciprocating powered airplane.
When critical conditions exist due to failure
of a powerplant, the pilot must appreciate the
reduced excess thrust and operate the airplane
within specific limitations. If the engine-out
performance of the airplane is marginal, the
pilot must be aware of the very detrimental
effect of steep turns.. Due to the increased load
factor in a coordinated turn, there will be an
increase in stall speed and-of greater import-
ance to engine-out performance-an increase
in induced drag. The following table illus-
trates the effect of bank angle on stall speed
and induced drag.
TABLE 6.1
Bank mglc, 6, dcgrccs Load factor
0 0
0.2 0.8
0.7 3.1
1.7 7.2
3.2 13.3
5.0 21.7
7.5 33.3
10.5 4% 0
14.3 70.4
IS. 9 loo. 0
41.4 303.0
NAVWEPS OD-BOT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
The previous table of values illustrates the
fact that coordinated turns with less than 15”
of bank .cause no appreciable effect on stall
speed or induced drag. However, note that 30”
of bank will increase the induced drag by 33.3
percent. Under critical conditions, such an in-
crease in induced drag (and, hence, total drag)
would be prohibitive causing the airplane to
descend rather than climb. The second graph
of figure 6.7 illustrates the case where the steep
turn causes such a large increase in required
thrust that a deficiency of thrust exists. When-
ever engine failure produces critical perform-
ance conditions it is wise to limit all turns to
II0 of bank wherever possible.
Another factor to consider in turning flight
is the effect of sideslip. If the turn is not coor-
dinated to hold sideslip to a minimum, addi-
tional drag will be incurred due to the sideslip.
The use of the flaps and landing gear can
greatly affect the performance of the multi-
engine airplane when a powerplant is inopera-
tive. Since the extension of the landing gear
and flaps increases the parasite drag, maximum
performance of the airplane will be obtained
with airplane in the clean configuration. In
certain critical conditions, the extension of the
landing gear and full flaps may create a defi-
ciency of thrust at any speed and commit the
airplane to descend. This condition is illus-
trated by the second graph of figure 6.8. Thus,
judicious use of the flaps and landing gear is
necessary in the case of an engine failure.
In the case of engine failure immediately
after takeoff, it is important to maintain air-
speed in excess of the minimum directional con-
trol speed and accelerate to the best climb
speed. After the engine failure, it will be fa-
vorable to climb only as necenary to clear obstacles
until the airplane reaches the best climb speed. Of
course, the landing gear should be retracted as
soon as the airplane is airborne to reduce para-
site drag and, in the case of the propeller pow-
ered airplane, it is imperative that the wind
milling propeller be feathered. The flaps should
be retracted only as rapidly as the increase in
NAVWEPS 00-801-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
THRUST
REQ’D
AND
AVAILABLE
LBS.
THRUST AVAJLABLE WJTH ALL
ENGINES OPERATING
THRUST AVAILABLE WITH
NES OPERATING
THRUST
REO’U
AND
AVAILABLE
LB.%
I VELOCITY, KNOTS
THRUST REP’D THRUST REO’D CLEAN
LANDING CONFIGURATION CONFIGURATION
WING LEVEL FLIGHT , BUT TURNING FLIGHT
WING LEVEL FLIGHT
AVAILABLE DUE TO
ENGINE FAILURE
VELOCITY, KNOTS
Figure 6.8. Engine Failure on Multi-engine Aircraft
airspeed will allow. If full flap deflection is
utilized for takeoff it is important to recall that
the last 50 percent of flap deflection creates
more than half the total drag increase but less
than half the total change in CL,-. Thus, for
some configurations of airplanes, a greater re-
duction in drag may be accomplished by partial
retraction of the flaps rather than retraction of
the landing gear. Also, it is important that no
steep turns be attempted because of the unde-
sirable increase in induced drag.
During the landing with an engine inopera-
tive, the same fundamental precautions must
be observed as during takeoff, i.e., minimum
directional control speed must be maintained
(or exceeded), no steep turns should be at-
tempted, and the extension of the flaps and
landing gear must be well planned. In the case
of’a critical power condition it may be neces-
sary to delay the extension of the landing gear
and full flaps until a successful landing is as-
sured. If a waveoff is necessary, maximum per-
formance will be obtained cleaning up the air-
plane and accelerating to the best climb speed
before attempting any gain in altitude.
At all times during flight with an engine
inoperative, the pilot must utilize the proper
techniques for control of airspeed and altitude,
e.g., for the conditions of steady flight, angle
of attack is the primary control of airspeed
and excess power is the primary control of
rate of climb. For example, if during approach
to landing the extension of full flaps and
landing gear creates a deficiency of power at
all speeds, the airplane will be committed to
descend. If the approach is not properly
planned and the airplane sinks below the
desired glide path, an increase in angle of
attack will only allow the airplane to fly more
slowly and descend more rapidly. An attempt
to hold altitude by increased angle of attack
when a power deficiency exists only causes a
continued loss of airspeed. Proper procedures
and technique are an absolute necessity for
safe flight when an engine failure occurs.
NAVWEPS OO-BOT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
GROUND EFFECT
When an airplane in flight nears the ground
(or water) surface, a change occurs in the
three dimensional flow pattern because the
local airflow cannot have a vertical component
at the ground plane. Thus, the ground plane
will furnish a restriction to the flow and alter
the wing upwash, downwash, and tip vortices.
These general effects due to the presence of
the ground plane are referred to as “ground
effect. ‘*
AERODYNAMIC INFLUENCE OF
GROUND EFFECT. While the aerodynamic
characteristics of the tail and fuselage are
altered by ground effects, the principal effects
due to proximity of the ground plane are the
changes in the aerodynamic characteristics
of the wing. As the wing encounters ground
effect and is maintained at a constant lift
coefficient, there is a reduction in the upwash,
downwash, and the tip vortices. These effects
are illustrated by the sketches of figure 6.9.
As a result of the reduced tip vortices, the wing
in the presence of ground effect will behave as
if it were of a greater aspect ratio. In other
words, the induced velocities due to the tip
(or trailing) vortices will be reduced and the
wing will incur smaller values of induced
drag coefficient, C,<, and induced angle of
attack, OL;, for any specific lift coefhcient, C,.
In order for ground effect to be of a signifi-
cant magnitude, the wing must be quite close
to the ground plane. Figure 6.9 illustrates
one of the direct results of ground effect by
the variation of induced drag coefficient with
wing height above the ground plane for a
representative unswept wing at constant lift
coefficient. Notice that the wing must be
quite close to the ground for a noticeable
reduction in induced drag. When the wing
is at a height equal to the span (h/b=l.O),
the reduction in induced drag is only 1.4
percent. However, when the wing is at a
height equal to one-fourth the span (b/b=
0.25), the reduction in induced drag is 23.5
NAVWEPS 00-802-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYtNG
AIRPLANE OUT OF
GROUND EFFECT TIP VORTEX
/
REDUCED DOWNWASH
AND UPWASH- REDUCED t-- SFkAN’ --I
PERCENT
REDUCTION
IN
INDUCED
DRAG
COEFFICIENT
LIFT
COEFFICIEN’
CL CONSTANT
IO
RATIO OF WING HEIGHT TO SPAN, h/b
AIRPLANE IN
THRUST
REQ’D
LBS.
AIRPLANE OUT OF
GROUND EFFECT
w - w
ANGLE OF ATTACK, 0 VELOCITY, KNOTS
Figure 6.9. Ground Effect
AIRPLANE OUT OF /
(-,’ < AIRPLANE IN
GROUND EFFECT
percent and, when the wing is at a height
equal to one-tenth the span (h/b=O.l), the
reduction in induced drag is 47.6 percent.
Thus, a large reduction in induced drag will
take place only when the wing is very close
to the ground. Because of this variation,
ground effect is most usually recognized during
the liftoff of takeoff or prior to touchdown on
landing.
The reduction of the tip or trailing vortices
due to ground effect alters the spanwise lift
distribution and reduces the induced angle of
attack. In this case, the wing will require
a lower angle of attack in ground effect to
produce the same lift coefficient. This effect
is illustrated by the lift curves of figure 6.9
which show that the airplane in ground effect
will develop a greater slope of the lift curve.
For the wing in ground effect, a lower angle of
attack is necessary to produce the same lift
coefficient or, if a constant angle of attack is
maintained, an increase in lift coefficient will
result.
Figure 6.9 illustrates the manner in which
ground effect will alter the curve of thrust re-
quired versus velocity. Since induced drag
predominates at low speeds, the reduction of
induced drag due to ground effect will cause
the most significant reduction of thrust re-
quired (parasite plus induced drag) only at
low speeds. At high speeds where parasite
drag predominates, the induced drag is but
a small part of the total drag and ground
effect causes no significant change in thrust re-
quired. Because ground effect involves the
induced effects of airplane when in close prox-
imity to the ground, its effects are of greatest
concern during the takeoff and landing. Ordi-
narily, these are the only phases of flight in
which the airplane would be in close proximity
to the ground.
GROUND EFFECT ON SPECIFIC FLIGHT
CONDITIONS. The overall influence of
ground effect is best realized by assuming that
the airplane descends into ground effect while
maintaining a constant lift coefficient and,
NAVWEPS CKLBOT-BO
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
thus, a constant dynamic pressure and equiva-
lent airspeed. As the airplane descends into
ground effect, the following. effects will take
place:
(1) Because of the reduced induced angle
of attack and change in lift distribution, a
smaller wing angle of attack will be required
to produce the same lift coefficient. If a
constant pitch attitude is maintained as
ground effect is encountered, an increase in
lift coefficient will be incurred.
(2) The reduction in induced flow due to
ground effect causes a significant reduction
in induced drag but causes no direct effect on
parasite drag. As a result of the reduction
in induced drag, the thrust required at low
speeds will be reduced.
(3) The reduction in downwash due to
ground effect will produce a change in longi-
tudinal stability and trim. Generally, the
reduction in downwash at the horizontal
tail increases the contribution to static longi-
tudinal stability. In addition, the reduction
of downwash at the tail usually requires
a greater up elevator to trim the airplane at
a specific lift coefficient. For the conven-
tional airplane configuration, encountering
ground effect will produce a nose-down
change in pitching moment. Of course, the
increase in stability and trim change associ-
ated with ground effect provide a critical re-
quirement of adequate longitudinal control
power for landing and takeoff.
(4) Due to the change in upwash, down-
wash, and tip vortices, there will be a change
in position error of the airspeed system, as-
sociated with ground effect. In the majority
of cases, ground effect will cause an increase
in the local pressure at the static source and
produce a lower indication of airspeed and
altitude.
During the landing pha~c of flight, the effect
of proximity to the ground plane must be
understood and appreciated. If the airplane
is brought into ground effect with a constant
angle of attack, the airplane will experience
3&l
NAVWEPS OD-8OT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYfNG
an increase in lift coeflicient and reduction in
thrust required. Hence, a “floating” sensa-
tion may be experienced. Because of the re-
duced drag and power-off deceleration in
ground effect, any excess speed at the point of
flare may incur a considerable “float” distance.
As the airplane nears the point of touchdown
on the approach, ground effect will be most
realized at altitudes less than the wing span.
An exact appreciation of the ground effect may
be obtained during a PcZd approach with the
mirror landing system furnishing an exact
reference of the flight path. During the final
phases of the field approach as the airplane
nears the ground plane, a reduced power
setting is necessary or the reduced thrust re-
quired would allow the airplane to climb
above the desired glide path. During ship-
board operations, ground effect will be delayed
until the airplane passes the edge of the deck
and the reduction in power setting that is
common to field operations should not be
encountered. Thus, a habit pattern should
not be formed during field landings which
would prove dangerous during carrier oper-
ations.
An additional factor to consider is the aero-
dynamic drag of the airplane during the land-
ing roll. Because of the reduced induced drag
when in ground effect, aerodynamic braking
will be of greatest significance only when
partial stalling of the wing can be accom-
plished. The reduced drag when in ground
effect accounts for the fact that the brakes
are the most effective source of deceleration
for the majority of airplane configurations.
During the takeoff pharc of flight ground
effect produces some important relationships.
Of course, the airplane leaving ground effect
encounters just the reverse of the airplane
entering ground effect, i.e., the airplane leaving
ground effect will (1) require an increase in
angle of attack to maintain the same lift
coefficient, (2) experience an increase in in-
duced drag and thrust required, (3) experience a
decrease in stability and a nose-up change in
moment, and (4) usually a reduction in static
source pressure and increase in indicated air-
speed. These general effects should point out
the possible danger in attempting takeoff
prior to achieving the recommended takeoff
speed. Due to the reduced drag in ground
effect the airplane may seem capable of takeoff
below the recommended speed. However, as
the airplane rises out of ground effect with a
deficiency of speed, the greater induced drag
may produce marginal initial climb perform-
ance. In the extreme conditions such as high
gross weight, high density altitude, and high
temperature, a deficiency of airspeed at takeoff
may permit the airplane to become airborne
but be incapable of flying’out of ground effect.
In this case, the airplane may become airborne
initially with a deficiency of speed, but later
settle back to the runway. It is imperative
that no attempt be made to force the airplane
to become airborne with a deficiency of speed;
the recommended takeoff speed is necessary to
provide adequate initial climb performance.
In fact, ground effect can be used to advantage
if no obstacles exist by using the reduced drag
to improve initial acceleration.
The results of the airplane leaving ground
effect can be most easily realized during the
deck launch of a heavily loaded airplane. As
the airplane moves forward and passes over the
edge of the deck, whatever ground effect exists
will be lost immediately. Thus, proper rota-
tion of the airplane will be necessary to main-
tain the same lift coefficient and the increase
in induced drag must be expected.
The rotor of the helicopter experiences a
similar restraint of induced flow when in prox-
imity to the ground plane. Since the induced
rotor power required will predominate at low
flight speeds, ground effect will produce a con-
siderable effect on the power required at low
speeds. During hovering and flight at low
speeds, the elevation of the rotor above the
ground plane will be an important factor de-
termining the power required for flight.
The range sf the reciprocating powered air-
plane can be augmented by the use of ground
effect. When the airplane is close to the
ground or water surface the reduction of in-
duced drag increases the maximum lift-drag
ratio and causes a corresponding increase in
range. Of course, the airplane must be quite
close to the surface to obtain a noticeable in-
crease in (L/D),., and range. The difficulty in
holding the airplane at the precise altitude
without contacting the ground or water will
preclude the use of ground effect during ordi-
nary flying operations. The use of ground
effect to extend range should be reserved as
a final measure in case of emergency. Because
of the very detrimental effect of low altitude
on the range of the turbojet, ground effect will
not be of a particular advantage in an attempt
to augment range.
The most outstanding examples of the use
of ground effect are shown in the cases of multi-
engine airplanes with some engines inoperative.
When the power loss is quite severe, the air-
plane may not be capable of sustaining altitude
and will descend. As ground effect is en-
countered, the reduced power required may
allow the airplane to sustain flight at extremely
low altitude with the remaining powerplants
functioning. In ground effect, the recipro-
cating powered airplane will encounter a
greater (L/D),, which occurs at a lower air-
speed and power required and the increase in
range may be quite important during emer-
gency conditions.
INTERFERENCE BETWEEN AIRPLANES IN
FLIGHT
During formation flying and inflight refuel-
ing, airplanes in proximity to one another will
produce a mutual interference of the flow pat-
terns and alter the aerodynamic characteristics
of each airplane. The principal effects of this
interference must be appreciated since certain
factors due to the mutual interference may
enhance the possibility of a collision.
NAVWEPS D&ROT-R0
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC ‘PROBLEMS OF FLYING
One example of interference between air-
planes in flight is shown first in figure 6.10 with
the effect of lateral separation of two airplanes
flying in line abreast. A plane of symmetry
would exist halfway between two identical air-
planes and would furnish a boundary of flow
across which there would be no lateral com-
ponents of flow. As the two airplane wing
tips are in proximity, the effect is to reduce the
strength of the tip or trailing vortices and re-
duce the induced velocities in the vicinity of
wing tip. Thus, each airplane will experience
a local increase in the lift distribution as the
tip vortices are reduced and a rolling moment is
developed which tends to roll each airplane
away from the other. This disturbance may
provide the possibility of collision if other air-
planes are in the vicinity and there is delay in
control correction or overcontrol. If the wing
tips are displaced in a fore-and-aft direction,
the same effect exists but generally it is of a
lower magnitude.
The magnitude of the interference effect due
to lateral separation of the wing tips depends
on the proximity of the wi.ig tips and the ex-
tent of induced Pov;. This implies that the
interference v-r 1 e grealest when the tips
are very close AL-L the airplanes are operating
at high lift coefficients. An interesting ramifi-
cation of this effect is that several airplanes in
line abreast with the wing tips quite close will
experience a reduction in induced drag.
An indirect form of interference can be en-
countered from the vortex system created by a
preceding airplane along the intended flight
path. The vortex sheet rolls up a considerable
distance behind an airplane and creates consid-
erable turbulence for any closely following air-
plane. This wake can prove troublesome if air-
planes taking off and landing are not provided
adequate separation. The rolled-up vortex
sheet will be strongest when the preceding air-
planes is large, high gross weight, and operat-
ing at high lift coefhcients. At times this tur-
bulence may be falsely attributed to propwash
or jetwash.
NAVWBPS OO-BOT-BO
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMlCS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
LIFT DISTRIBUTION
LBWFT OF SPAN
TIP VORTEX
PLANE OF
SYMMETRY
REDUCED CHANGE IN
LIFT DISTRIBUTION
-
--
%SH
\’
DOCASH
TRIM CHANGE
figure 6.10. Interference 8etween Airplanes in Flight
Another important form of direct inter-
ference is common when the two airplanes are
in a trail position and stepped down. As shown
in figure 6.10, the single airplane in flight de-
velops upwash ahead of the wing and down-
wash behind and any restriction accorded the
flow can alter the distribution and magnitude of
the upwash and downwash. When the trailing
airplane is in close proximity aft and below the
leading airplane a mutual interference takes
place betweetrthe two airplanes. The leading
airplane above will experience an effect which
would be somewhat similar to encountermg
ground effect, i.e., a reduction in induced drag,
a reduction in downwash at the tail, and a
change in pitching moment nose down. The
trailing airplane below will experience an effect
which is generally the opposite of the airplane
above. In other words, the airplane below
will experience an increase in induced drag, an
increase in downwash at the tail, and a change
in pitching moment nose up. Thus, when
the airplanes are in close proximity, a definite
collision possibility exists because of the trim
change experienced by each airplane. The
magnitude of the trim change is greatest
when the airplanes are operating at high lift
coefficients, e.g., low speed flight, and when
the airplanes are in close proximity.
In formation flying, this sort of interference
must be appreciated and anticipated. In cross-
ing under another airplane, care must be
taken to anticipate the trim change and
adequate clearance must be maintained, other-
wise a collision may result. The pilot of the
leading aircraft will know of the presence of
the trailing airplane by the trim change
experienced. Obviously, some anticipation is
necessary and adequate separation is necessary
to prevent a disturbing magnitude of the
trim change. In a close diamond formation
the leader will be able to “feel” the presence
of the slot man even though the airplane is
not within view. Obviously, the slot man
will have a difficult job during formation
maneuvers because of the unstable trim changes
NAVWEPS OO-ROT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
and greater power changes required to hold
position.
A common collision problem is the case of
an airplane with a malfunctioning landing
gear. If another”airpIane is called to inspect
the malfunctioning landing gear, great care
must be taken to maintain adequate separation
and preserve orientation. Many instances
such as this have resulted in a collision when
the pilo: of the trailing airplane became dis-
oriented and did not maintain adequate sepa-
ration.
During inflight refueling, essentially the
same problems of interference exist. AS the
receiver approaches the tanker from behind
and below, the receiver will encounter the
downwash from the tanker and require a
slight, gradual increase in power and pitch
attitude to continue approach to the receiving
position. While.‘the .receiver may not be
visible to the pilot ‘of the tanker, he will
anticipate the receiver coming into position
by the slight reduttion in power required and
nose down changein pitching moment. Ade-
quate clearance and, proper position must be
maintained by the pilot of the receiver for a
collision possibility is enhanced by the rela-
tive positions of the airplanes. A hazardous
condition exists if the pilot of the receiver
has excessive speed and runs under the tanker
in close proximity.* ‘The trim change expe-
rienced by both airphines may be large and
unexpected and it may be difficult to avoid a
collision.
In addition to the forms of interference
previously mentioned, there exists the possi-
bility of strong interference between airplanes
in supersonic flight. In this case, the shock
waves from one airplane may strongly affect
the pressure distribution and rolling, yawing,
and pitching moments of an adjacent air-
Pl ane. It is difficult to express general rela-
tionships of the effect except that magnitude
of the effects will be greatest when in close
proximity at low altitude and high 4. General-
ly, the trailing airplane will be most affected.
BRAKING PERFORMANCE
For the majority of airplane configurations
and runways conditions, the airplane brakes
furnish the most powerful means of deceler-
ation. While specific techniques of braking
are required for specific situations, there
are various fundamentals which are common
to all conditions.
Solid ftictim is the resistance to relative
motion of two surfaces in contact. When
relative motion exists between the surfaces,
the resistance to relative motion is termed
“kinetic” or “sliding” friction; when no
relative motion exists between the surfaces,
the resistance to the impending relative mo-
tion is termed “static” friction. The minute
discontinuities of the surfaces in contact are
able to mate quite closely when relative
motion impends rather than exists, so static
friction will generally exceed kinetic friction.
The magnitude of the friction force between
two surfaces will depend in great part on the
types of surfaces in contact and the magnitude
of force pressing the surfaces together. A
convenient method of relating the friction
charactersitics of surfaces in contact is a
proportion of the friction force to the normal
(or perpendicular) force pressing the surfaces
together. This proportion defines the coeffi-
cient of friction, ~1.
,L= F/N
where
p =coefFicient of friction (mu)
F =friction force, Ibs.
N = normal force, lbs.
The coefficient of friction of tires on a runway
surface is a function of many factors. Runway
surface condition, rubber composition, tread,
inflation pressure, surface friction shearing
stress, relative slip speed, etc., all are factors
which affect the coefficient of friction. When
the tire is rolling along the runway without
the use of brakes, the friction force resulting is
simple rolling resistance. The coefficient of
NAVWEPS O&ROT-R0
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
rolling friction is of an approximate magnitude
of 0.015 to 0.030 for dry, hard runway surface.
The application of brakes supplies a torque
to the wheel which tends co retard wheel rota-
tion. However, the initial application of
brakes creates a braking torque but the initial
retarding torque is balanced by the increase in
friction force which produces a driving or
rolling torque. Of course, when the braking
torque is equal to the rolling torque, the wheel
experiences no acceleration in rotation and the
equilibrium of a constant rotational speed is
maintained. Thus, the application of brake
develops a retarding torque and causes an
increase in friction force between the tire and
runway surface. A common problem of brak-
ing technique is application of excessive brake
pressure which creates a braking torque greater
than the maximum possible rolling torque.
In this case, the wheel loses rotational speed
and decelerates until the wheel is stationary
and the result is a locked wheel with the tire
surface subject to a full slip condition.
The relationship of friction force, normal
force, braking torque, and rolling torque is
illustrated in figure 6.11.
The effect of slip velocity on the coefficient
of friction is illustrated by the graph of figure
6.11. The conditions of zero slip corresponds
to the rolling wheel without brake application
while the condition of full, 100 percent slip
corresponds to the locked wheel where the
relative velocity between the tire surface and
the runway equals the actual velocity. With
the application of brakes, the coefficient of
friction increases but incurs a small but meas-
urable apparent slip. Continued increase in
friction coefficient is obtained until some max-
imum is achieved then decreases as the slip
increases and approaching the 100 percent slip
condition. Actually, the peak value of co-
efficient of friction occurs at an incipient skid
condition and the relative slip apparent at this
point consists primarily of elastic shearing
deflection of the tire structure.
NAVWEPS DD-BOl-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
When the runway surface is dry, brush-
finished concrete, the maximum value for the
coefficient of friction for most aircraft tires is
on the order of 0.6 to 0.8. Many factors can
determine small differences in this peak value
of friction coefhcient for dry surface conditions.
For example, a soft gum rubber composition
can develop a very high value of coefficient of
friction but only for low values of surface
shearing stress. At high values of surface
shearing stress, the soft gum rubber will shear
or scrub off before high values of friction co-
efficient are developed. The higher strength
compounds used in the production of aircraft
tires produce greater resistance to surface shear
and scrubbing but the harder rubber has lower
intrinsic friction coeflicient. Since the high
performance airplane cannot afford the luxury
of excessive tire weight or size, the majority
of airplane tires will be of relatively hard
rubber and will operate at or near the rated
load capacities. As a result, there will be
little difference between the peak values of
friction coefficient for the dry, hard surface
runway for the majority of aircraft tires.
If high traction on dry surfaces were the
only consideration in the design of tires, the
result would be a soft rubber tire of extreme
width to create a large footprint and reduce
surface shearing stresses, e.g., driving tires on
a drag racer. However, such a tire has many
other characteristics which are undesirable
such as high rolling friction, large size, poor
side force characteristics, etc.
When the runway has water or ice on the
surface, the maximum value for the coefficient
of friction is reduced greatly below the value
obtained for the dry runway condition. When
water is on the surface, the tread design be-
comes of greater importance to maintain con-
tact between the rubber and the runway and
prevent a film of water from lubricating the
surfaces. When the rainfall is light, the peak
value for friction coefficient is on the order of
0.5. With heavy rainfall it is more likely
that sufficient water will stand to form a liquid
film between the tire and the runway. In this
case, the peak coefficient of friction rarely
exceeds 0.3. In some extreme conditions, the
tire may simply plane along the water without
contact of the runway and the coefficient of
friction is much lower than 0.3. Smooth,
clear ice on the runway will cause extremely
low values for the coefficient of friction. In
such a condition, the peak value for the co-
efhcient of friction may be on the order of 0.2
or 0.15.
Note that immediately past the incipient
skidding condition the coefficient of friction
decreases with increased slip speed, especially
for the wet or icy runway conditions. Thus,
once skid begins, a reduction in friction force
and rolling torque must be met with a reduc-
tion in braking torque, otherwise the wheel
will decelerate and lock. This is an important
factor to consider in braking technique because
the skidding tire surface on the locked wheel
produces considerably less retarding force than
when at the incipient skid condition which
causes the peak coeflicient of friction. If the
wheel locks from excessive braking, the sliding
tire surface produces less than the maximum
retarding force and the tires become relatively
incapable of developing any significant side
force. Stop distance will increase and it may
be difficult-if not impossible-to control the
airplane when full slip is developed. In addi-
tion, at high rolling vel,ocities on the dry sur-
face runway, the immediate problem of a skid-
ding tire is not necessarily the loss of retard-
ing force but the imminence of tire failure. The
pilot must insure that the application of brakes
does not produce some excessive braking torque
which is greater than the maximum rolling
torque and particular care must be taken when
the runway conditions produce low values of
friction coefficient and when the normal force
on the braking surfaces is small. When it is
difficult to perceive or distinguish a skidding
condition, the value of an antiskid or auto-
matic braking system will be appreciated.
NAVWEPS OD4OT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PRO&EMS OF FLYING
NORMAL FORCE
COEFFICIENT
OF
FRICTION 0.6
F/N 0.4
0.2 -
ROLLING
WHEEL \
DRY CONCRETE
--CONCRETE
\-
\ \ LIGHT RAIN
\
\
HEAVY RAIN
I i- LOCKED
WHEEL
IO 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
PER CENT SLIP
Figure 6.7 1. Braking Perhnance
NAVWEPS DD-BOT-BO
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
BRAKING TECHNIQUE. It must be
clearly distinguished that the techniques for
minimum stop distance may differ greatly from
the techniques required to minimize wear and
tear on the tires and brakes. For the majority
of airplane configurations, brakes will provide
the most important source of deceleration for
all but the most severe of icy runway condi-
tions. Of course, aerodynamic drag is very
durable and should be utilized to decelerate the
airplane if the runway is long enough and the
drag high enough. Aerodynamic drag will be
of importance only for the initial 20 to 30 per-
cent of speed reduction from the point of touch-
down. At speeds less than 60 to 70 percent of
the landing speed, aerodynamic drag is of little
consequence and brakes will be the principal
source of deceleration regardless of the runway
surface. For the conditions of minimum land-
ing distance, aerodynamic drag will be a prin-
cipal source of deceleration only for the initial
portion of landing roll for very high drag con-
figurations on very poor runway conditions.
These cases are quite limited so considerable
importance must be assigned to proper use of
the brakes to produce maximum effectiveness.
In order to provide the maximum possible
retarding force, effort must be directed to pro-
duce the maximum normal force on the braking
surfaces. (See figure 6.11.) The pilot will be
able to influence the normal force on the brak-
ing surfaces during the initial part of the land-
ing roll when dynamic pressure is large and
aerodynamic forces and moments are of conse-
quence. During this portion of the landing
roll the pilot can control the airplane lift and
the distribution of normal force to the landing
gears.
First to consider is that any positive lift will
support a part of the airplane weight and reduce
the normal force on the landing gear. Of
course, for the purposes of braking friction, it
would be to advantage to create negative lift
but this is not the usual capability of the air-
plane with the tricycle landing gear. Since
the airplane lift may be considerable immedi-
ately after landing, retraction of flaps or ex-
tension of spoilers immediately after touch-
down will reduce the wing lift and increase
the normal force on the landing gear. With
the retraction of flaps, the reduced drag is more
than compensated for by the increased braking
friction force afforded by the increased normal
force on the braking surfaces.
A second possible factor to control braking
effectiveness is the distribution of normal force
to the landing gear surfaces. The nose wheel
of the tricycle landing gear configuration usu-
ally has no brakes and any normal force dis-
tributed to this wheel is useful only for pro-
ducing side force for control of the airplane.
Under conditions of deceleration, the nose-
down pitching moment created by the friction
force and the inertia force tends to transfer
a significant amount of normal force to nose
wheel where it is unavailable to assist in
creating friction force. For the instant after
landing touchdown, the pilot may control
this condition to some extent and regain or
increase the normal force on the main wheels.
After touchdown, the nose is lowered until the
nose wheel contacts the runway then brakes
are applied while the stick is eased back with-
out lifting the nose wheel back off the runway.
The effect is to minimize the normal force on
the nose wheel and increase the normal force
on braking surfaces. While the principal
effect is to transfer normal force to the main
wheels, there may be a significant increase in
normal force due to a reduction in net lift, i.e.,
tail download is noticeable. This reduction
in net lift tends to be particular to tailless or
short coupled airplane configurations.
The combined effect of flap retraction and
aft stickis a significant increase in braking
friction force. Of course, the flaps should not
be retracted while still airborne and aft stick
should be used just enough without lifting
the nosewheel off the runway. These tech-
niques are to no avail if proper use of the
brakes does not produce the maximum coefi-
cient of friction. The incipient skid condi-
tion will produce the maximum coefficient of
friction but this peak is difficult to recognize
and maintain without an antiskid system.
Judicious use of the brakes is necessary to
obtain the peak coefficient of friction but not
develop a skid or locked wheel which could
cause tire failure, loss of control, or consider-
able reduction in the friction coefficient.
The capacity of the brakes must be sufficient
to create adequate braking torque and produce
the high coefficient of friction. In addition,
the brakes must be capable of withstanding
the heat generated without fading or losing
effectiveness. The most critical requirements
of the brakes occur during landing at the
maximum allowable landing weight.
TYPICAL ERRORS OF BRAKING TECH-
NIQUE. Errors in braking technique are usu-
ally coincident with errors of other sorts. For
example, if the pilot lands an airplane with
excessive airspeed, poor braking technique
could accompany the original error to produce
an unsafe situation. One common error of
of braking technique is the application of
braking torque in excess of the maximum
possible rolling torque. The result will be
that the wheel decelerates and locks and the
skid reduces the coefficient of friction, lowers
the capability for side force, and enhances the
possibility of tire failure. If maximum brak-
ing is necessary, caution must be used to
modulate the braking torque to prevent lock-
ing the wheel and causing a skid. On the
other hand, maximum coefficient of friction is
obtained at the incipient skidding condition
so sufficient brake torque must be applied to
produce maximum friction force. Intermittent
braking serves no useful purpose when the
objective is maximum deceleration because
the periods between brake application produce
only slight or negligible cooling. Brake
should be applied smoothly and braking
torque modulated at or near the peak value
to insure that skid does not develop.
NAVWEPS OD-BOT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
One of the important factors affecting the
landing roll distance is landing touchdown
speed. Any excess velocity at landing causes
a large increase in the minimum stop distance
and it is necessary that the pilot control the
landing precisely so to land at the appropriate
speed. When landing on the dry, hard surface
runway of adequate length, a tendency is to
take advantage of any excess runway and
allow the airplane to touchdown with excess
speed. Of course, such- errors in technique
cannot be tolerated and the pilot must strive
for precision in all landings. Immediately
after touchdown, the airp1ar.e lift may be
considerable and the normal force on the
braking surfaces quite low. Thus, if excessive
braking torque is applied, the wheel may lock
easily at high speeds and tire failure may take
place suddenly.
Landing on a wet or icy runway requires
judicious use of the brakes because of the re-
duction in the maximum coefficient of friction.
Because of reduction in the maximum attain-
able value of the coefficient of friction, the
pilot must anticipate an increase in the mini-
mum landing distance above that applicable
for the dry runway conditions. When there
is considerable water or ice on rhe runway, an
increase in landing distance on the order of 40
to 100 percent must be expected for similar
conditions of gross weight, density altitude,
wind, etc. Unfortunately, the conditions
likely to produce poor braking action also
will cause high idle thrust of the turbojet
engine and the extreme case (smooth, glazed
ice or heavy rain) may dictate shutting down
the engine to effect a reasonable stopping
distance.
REFUSAL SPEEDS, LINE SPEEDS, AND
CRITICAL FIELD LENGTH
During takeoff, it is necessary to monitor
the performance of the airplane and evaluate
the acceleration to insure that the airplane will
NAVWEPS 00401-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAlvllCS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
achieve the takeoff speed in the specified dis-
tance. If it is apparent that the airplane is
not accelerating normally or that the airplane
or powerplant is not functioning properly,
a decision must be made to refuse or continue
takeoff. If the decision to refuse takeoff is
made early in the takeoff roll, no problem
exists because the airplane has not gained
much speed and a large portion of runway
distance is unused. However, at speeds near
the takeoff speed, the airplane has used a large
portion of the takeoff distance and the distance
required to stop is appreciable. The problem
which exists is to define the highest speed
attained during takeoff acceleration from which
the airplane may be decelerated to a stop on
the runway length remaining, i.e., the “refusal
speed. ’ ’
The refusal speed will be a function of take-
off performance, stopping performance, and
the length of available runway. The ideal
situation would be to have a runway length
which exceeds the total distance required to
accelerate to the takeoff speed then decelerate
from the takeoff speed. In this case, the
refusal speed would exceed the takeoff speed
and there would be little concern for the case
of refused takeoff. While this may be the
case for some instances, the usual case is that
the runway length is less than the “accelerate-
stop” distance and the refusal speed is less than
the takeoff speed. A graphical representation
of the refused takeoff condition is illustrated
in figure 6.12 by a plot of velocity versus dis-
tance. At the beginning of the runway, the
airplane starts accelerating and the variation
of velocity and distance is defined by the
takeoff acceleration profile. The deceleration
profile describes the variation of velocity with
distance where the airplane is brought to a
stop at the end of the runway. The inter-
section of the acceleration and deceleration
profiles then defines the refusal speed and the
refusal distance along the runway. Of course,
an allowance must be made for the time spent
at the refusal speed as the power is reduced
and braking action is initiated.
During takeoff, the airplane could be accel-
erated to any speed up to the refusal speed,
then decelerated to a stop on- the runway
remaining. Once past the refusal speed, the
airplane cannot be brought to a stop on the
runway remaining and the airplane is com-
mitted to an unsafe stop. If takeoff is refused
when above the refusal speed, the only hope
is for assistance from the arresting gear, run-
way barrier, or an extensive overrun at the
end of the runway. This fact points to the
need for planning of the takeoff and the require-
ment to monitor the takeoff acceleration.
If the refusal speed data are not available,
the following equations may be used to ap-
proximate the refusal speed and distance:
where
V,= refusal speed
S,= refusal distance
and for the appropriate takeoff configuration,
V,*= takeoff speed
S,,= takeoff distance
V,= landing speed
J,=landing distance
R. = runway length available
These approximate relationships do not ac-
count for the time spent at the refusal point and
must not be used in lieu of accurate handbook
data.
In the case of the single-engine airplane, the
pilot must monitor the takeoff performance to
recognize malfunctions or lack of adequate ac-
celeration prior to reaching the refusal speed.
Obviously, it is to advantage to recognize rhe
3’92
NAVWEPS OO-EOT-80
APP,LlCATlON OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
TAKEOFF SPEED TAKEOFF SPEED
REF”z
/
ACCELERATION
PROFILE
F REFUSAL DISTANCE I P P c c
TAKEOFF DISTANCE TAKEOFF DISTANCE
.DECELERATloN
PROFlLE
RUNWAY AVAILABLE I
VARIATION OF SPEED WITH DISTANCE FOR
UNIFORMLY ACCELERATED MOTION DURING
TAKEOFF ROLL
O~mi-rrmLurauLurauupuLnUFFFPI.vm
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 i-o 60 90 100
PER CENT OF TAKEOFF DISTANCE
Figure 6.12. Refused Take& and Takeof\ Velocity Variafion
NAVWEPS DD4OT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYI’NG
possibility of a refused takeoff before exceed-
ing the refusal speed. To this end, the pilot
must carefully evaluate airplane and power-
plant performance and judge the acceleration
of the airplane by the use of “line speeds.”
The accelerated motion of the airplane during
takeoff roll will define certain relationships be-
tween velocity and distance when the acceler-
ation of the airplane is normal. By comparison
of predicted and actual speeds at various points
along the runway, the pilot can evaluate the
acceleration and assess the takeoff perfotm-
axe.
An example of an acceleration profile is
shown by the second illustration of figure 6.12,
where the variation of velocity and distance is
defined for the case of uniformly accelerated
motion, i.e., constant acceleration. While the
case of uniformly accelerated motion doesnot
correspond exactly to the takeoff performance
of all airplanes, it is sufficiently applicable to
illustrate the principle of line speeds and ac-
celeration checks. If the takeoff acceleration
of the airplane were constant, the airplane
would develop specific percentages of the take-
off speed at specific percentages of the takeoff
distance. Representative values from figure
6.12 are as follows:
Pmmr 0, ‘&Ofl diJh?%Z Pmmr of r‘iko~
"docit~
PInmr 0, &off
rim
0 0 0
25 so. 0 50.0
SO 70.7 70.7
75 86. 5 86.5
100 100 100
As an example of this uniformly accelerated
motion, the airplane upon reaching the half-
way point of takeoff roll would have spent
70.7 percent of the total takeoff time and ac-
celerated to 70.7 percent of the takeoff speed.
If the airplane has not reached a specific speed
at a specific distance, it is obvious that the ac-
celeration is below the predicted value and the
airplane surely will not achieve the takeoff
speed in the specified takeoff distance. There-
fore, properly computed line speeds at various
points along the runway will allow the pilot
to monitor the takeoff performance and recog-
nize a deficiency of acceleration. Of course,
a deficiency of acceleration must be recognized
prior to reaching some point along the runway
where takeoff cannot be safely achieved or
refused
The fundamental principles of refusal speeds
and line speeds are applicable equally well to
single-engine and multiengine airplanes. How-
ever, in the case of the multiengine airplane
additional consideration must be given to the
decision to continue or refuse takeoff when
engine failure occurs during the takeoff roll.
IF failure of one engine occurs prior to reaching
the-refusal speed, takeoff should be discon-
tinued and the airplane brought to a stop on
the remaining runway. If failure of one engine
c~curs after exceeding the refusal speed, the
airplane is committed to continue takeoff with
the remaining engines operative or an unsafe
refused take&. Sn some cases, the remaining
runway may not be sufficient to allow acceler-
ation to the takeoff speed and the airplane can
neither takeoff or stop on the runway rcmain-
ibg. To facilitate consideration of this prob-
lem, several specific defmitions are necessary.
(1) Takeoff and initial climb speed: A speed,
usually a fixed percentage above the stall speed,
at which the airplane will become airborne and
best clear obstacles immediately after takeoff.
For a particular airplane in the takeoff con-
figuration, this speed (in EAS or CM) is a
function of gross weight but in no circumstances
should it he less than the minimum directional
control speed for the critical asymmetrical
power condition. Generally, the takeoff and
initial climb speed is referred to as the “V,”
speed.
(2) Critical engine jaih~~ speed: A speed
achieved during the takeoff roll at which fail-
ure of one engine will require the same distance
to continue accelerating with the operative en-
gines to accomplish safe takeoff or refuse
takeoff and decelerate to a stop utilizing the
airplane brakes. At critical engine failure
NAVWEPS OD-BOT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
RUNWAY LENGTH EQUAL TO CRITICAL
FIELD LENGTH
TAKEOFF d:;‘,
CLIMB SP
CRITICAL ENGINE LACCELERATION WITH 1
FAILURE SPEED q ENGINE INOPERATIVE
ACCELERATION
WITH ALL ENGINES
OPERATIVE
\
PROFILE
\
RUNWAY LENGTH
RUNWAY LENGTH LESS THAN CRITICAL
FIELD LENGTH
MINIMUM SPEED NECESSAR
TO CONTINUE TAKEOFF WITH
ONE ENGINE IN
REFUSAL SPEE LERATION WITH
ONE ENGINE INOPERATIVE
ACCELERATION DECELERATION
TH ALL ENGINES
OPERATIVE
Figure 6.13. Critical Field Len&
NAVWEPS OD-ROT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
speed, the distance necessary to continue take-
off with one engine inoperative is equal to the
stopping distance. The critical engine failure
speed is generally referred to as the “I’,”
speed and it is a function of the same factors
which determine the takeoff performance, e.g.,
density altitude, gross weight, temperature,
humidity, etc.
(3) &t&l jield kngrh: The runway length
necessary to accelerate with all engines opera-
tive to the critical engine failure speed (VJ
then continue accelerating to the takeoff and
initial climb speed (VJ with one engine
inoperative and achieve safe takeoff or refuse
takeoff. By this definition, critical field
length describes the minimum length of run-
way necessary for safe operation of the multi-
engine airplane. Obviously, the critical field
length is a function of the same factors affect-
ing the takeoff distance of the airplane.
The conditions of Vi, V,, and critical field
length are illustrated by figure 6.13. The
first illustration of figure 6.13 depicts the
case where the runway length is equal to the
rritical jield kngth. In this case, the airplane
could accelerate to Vi with all engines opera-
tive then either continue takeoff safely with
one engine inoperative or refuse takeoff and
decelerate to a stop on the remaining runway.
For this condition, an engine failure occurring
at lefs than I’, speed dictates that takeoff must
be refused because inadequate distance remains
to effect a safe takeoff at V, speed. However,
at or below V, speed, adequate distance re-
mains to bring the airplane to a stop. If
engine failure occurs at some speed greater
than Vi speed, takeoff should be continued
because adequate distance remains to accelerate
to V, speed and effect a safe takeoff with one
engine inoperative. If engine failure occurs
beyond Vi speed, inadequate distance remains
to brake the airplane to a stop on the runway,
The second illustration of figure 6.13 depicts
the case where the ranway length is 1~s than
the titical field length. In this case, the term
of “V,” speed is not applicable because of
inadequate distance and the refusal speed is
less than the minimum speed necessary to
continue a safe takeoff with one engine inoper-
ative. If engine failure occurs below refusal
speed, the takeoff must be refused and adequate
distance remains to effect a stop on the runway.
If engine failure occurs above refusal speed
but below the minimum speed necessary to
continue takeoff with one engine inoperative,
an accident is inevitable. Within this range
of speeds, the airplane cannot effect a safe
takeoff at L’s with one engine inoperative or
a safe stop on the remaining runway. For this
reason, the pilot must properly plan the
takeoff and insure that the runway available
is equal to or greater than the critical field
length. If the runway available is less than
the critical field length, there must be sufficient
justification for the particular operation be-
cause of the hazardous consequences of engine
failure between the refusal speed and the
minimum speed necessary to continue takeoff
with one engine inoperative. Otherwise, the
gross weight of the airplane should be reduced
in attempt to decrease the critical field length
to equal the available runway.
SONIC “BOOMS’
From the standpoint of public relations
and the maintaining of friendly public support
for Naval Aviation, great care must be taken
to prevent sonic booms in populated areas.
While the ordinary sonic boom does not carry
any potential of physical damage, the disturb-
ance must be avoided because of the undesirable
annoyance and apprehension. As supersonic
flight becomes more commonplace and an
ordinary consequence of flying operations, the
prevention of sonic booms in populated areas
becomes a difficult and perplexing job.
When the airplane is in supersonic flight,
the local pressure and velocity changes on the
airplane surfaces are coincident with the
formation of shock waves. The pressure jump
through the shock waves in the immediate
vicinity of the airplane surfaces is determined
by the local flow changes at these surfaces.
Of course, the strength of the shock waves
and the pressure jump through the wave
decreases rapidly with distance away from the
airplane. While the pressure jump through
the shock wave decreases with distance away
from the surface, it does not disappear com-
pletely and a measurable-but very small-
pressure will exist at a considerable distance
from the airplane.
Sound is transmitted through the air as a
series of very weak pressure waves. In the
ordinary range of audible frequencies, the
threshold of audibility for intensity of sound
is for pressure waves with an approximate
R.M.S. value of pressure as low as 0.0000002
psf. Within this same range of frequencies,
the threshold of feeling for intensity of sound
is for pressure values with an approximate
R.M.S. value of pressure of 0.2 to 0.5 psf.
Continuous sound at the threshold of feeling
is of the intensity to cause painful hearing.
Thus, the shock waves generated by an air-
plane in supersonic flight are capable of creat-
ing audible sound and, in the extreme case, can
be of a magnitude to cause considerable dis-
turbance. Pressure jumps of 0.02 to 0.3 psf
have been recorded during the passage of an
airplane in supersonic flight. As a result,
the sonic “booms” are the pressure waves
generated by the shock waves formed on the
airplane in supersonic flight.
The source of sonic booms is illustrated by
figure 6.14. When the airplane is in level
supersonic flight, a pattern of shock waves is
developed which is much dependent on the
configuration and flight Mach number of the
airplane. At a considerable distance from the
airplane, these shock waves tend to combine
along two common fronts and extend away
from the airplane in a sort of conical surface.
The waves decrease in strength with distance
away from the airplane but the pressure jump
remains of an audible intensity for a consider-
able distance from the airplane. If the wave
extends to the ground or water surface, it will
NAVWEPS OD-8OT-RO
APP,LICATlON OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
be reflected and attenuated to some extent
depending on the character of the reflecting
surface. Of course, if this attached wave form
is carried,across a populated area at the surface,
th.- population will experience the pressure
waves as a sonic boom.
The intensity of the boom will depend on
many different factors. The characteristics of
the airplane generating the shock waves will
be of some importance since a large, high drag,
high gross weight airplane in flight at high
Mach number will be transferring a greater
energy to the air mass. Flight altitude will
have an important bearing on boom intensity
since at high altitude the pressure jump across
a given wave form is much less. In addition,
at high altitude a greater distance exists be-
tween the generating source of the pressure
disturbance and the ground level and the
strength of the wave will have a greater dis-
tance in which to decay. The ordinary vari-
ation of temperature and density plus the
natural turbulence of atmosphere will tend to
reflect or dissipate the shock wave generated
at high altitude. However, in a stable, quies-
cent atmosphere, the pressure wave from the
airplane in high supersonic flight at high alti-
tude may be of an audible magnitude at lateral
distances as great as 10 to 30 miles. Thus,
supersonic flight over or adjacent to populated
areas will produce a sonic boom.
Actually, it is not necessary for any airplane
to fly supersonic over or adjacent to a popu-
lated area to create a sonic boom. This
possibility is shown by the second illustration
of figure 6.14 where an airplane decelerates to
subsonic from a supersonic dive. As the air-
plane slows to subsonic from supersonic speed,
the airplane will release the leading bow and
tail waves which formed as the airplane accel-
erated from subsonic to supersonic speed. The
release of these shock waves is analogous to
the case where a surface ship slows to below
the wave propagation speed and releases the
bow wave which then travels out ahead of
NAVWEPS oo-8OT-80
APPUCATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYllNG
AIRPLANE IN SUPERSONIC FLIGHT
‘AIL WAVE
FLIGHT
Revised JonuaV 1965
Figure 6.14. Sonic Booms
the ship. When the airplane slows to sub-
sonic, the shock wave travels out ahead of the
airplane in a form which is somewhat spheri-
cal. Because there are density variations
through the shock wave, the shock wave
moving ahead of the airplane can cause aber-
rations in light waves and it may appear.to
the pilot as if a large sheet of clear cellulose
or plastic were in front of the airplane. In
addition, the density variation and initial
shape of the wave leaving the airplane may
cause reflection of sunlight which would
appear as a sudden, brilliant “flash” to the
pilot.
Of course, the wave released by decelerating
to subsonic speed can travel out ahead of the
airplane and traverse a populated area to cause
a sonic boom. The initial direction of the
released wave will be the flight path of the
airplane at the instant it decelerates to sub-
sonic speed. To be sure, the released wave
should not be aimed in the direction of a popu-
lated area, even if a considerable distance
away. There are instances where a released
wave has been of an audible magnitude as far
as 30 to 40 miles ahead of the point of release.
The released pressure wave will be of greatest
intensity when created by a large, high drag
configuration at low altitude. Since the wave
intensity decreases rapidly with distance away
from the source, the boom will be of strongest
audibility near the point of release.
It should become apparent that sonic booms
are a byproduct of supersonic aviation and,
with supersonic flight becoming more common-
place, the problem is more perplexing. The
potential of sonic booms is mostly of the
audible nature and nuisance of the disturbance.
The damage potential of the ordinary sonic
boom is quite small and the principal effects
are confined to structures which are extremely
brittle, low strength, and have characteristic
high residual stresses. In other words, only
the extremes of pressure waves generated by
airplanes in flight could possibly cause cracked
plaster and window glass. Such materials
NAVWEPS OD-ROT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
are quite prone to sharp dynamic stresses and,
when .superimposed on the high residual
stresses common to the products and building
construction, slight but insignificant damage
may result. Actually, the most objectionable
feature of the sonic boom is the audibility and
the anxiety or apprehension caused by the
sharp, loud noise which resembles a blast.
The pressure jump through the shock waves
in the immediate vicinity of the airplane is
much greater than those common to the
audible “booms” at ground level. Thus,
airplanes in close formation at supersonic
speeds may encounter considerable interference
between airplanes. In addition, to eliminate
even the most remote possibility of structural
damage, a high speed airplane should not
make a supersonic pass close to a large air-
plane which may have low limit load factor
and be prone to be easily disturbed or damaged
by a strong pressure wave.
HELICOPTER PROBLEMS
The main difference between helicopter and
an airplane is the main source of lift. The
airplane derives its lift from a fixed airfoil
surface while the helicopter derives lift from
a rotating airfoil called the rotor. Hence, the
aircraft will be classified as either “fixed-
wing” or “rotating wing.” The word “heli-
copter” is derived from the Greek words
meaning “helical wing” or “rotating wing. ”
Lift generation, by a “rotating wing” enables
the helicopter to accomplish its unique mission
of hovering motionless in the air, taking off
and landing in a confined or restricted area,
and autorotating to a safe landing following
a power failure. Lift generation by “rotating
wing’ ’ is also responsible for some of the
unusual problems the helicopter can encounter.
Since the helicopter problems are due to par-
ticular nature of .the rotor aerodynamics, the
basic flow conditions within the rotor must be
considered in detail. For simplicity, the
initial discussion will consider only the hover-
ing rotor. Although the term hovering
NAVWEPS DO-ROT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
usually means remaining over a particular
spot on the ground, it shall be considered
here as flight at zero airspeed. This is necessary
because the aerodynamic characteristics of the
rotor depend on its motion with respect to
the air and not the ground. Hovering in a 20
knot wind is aerodynamically equivalent to
flying at an airspeed of 20 knots in a no-wind
condition, and the characteristics will be
identical in the two conditions.
The first point to realize is that the rotor is
subject to the same physical laws of aero-
dynamics and motion that govern flight of
the fixed-wing airplane. The manner in which
the rotor is subject to these laws is much more
complicated due to the complex flow con-
ditions.
Rotor lift can be explained by either of two
methods. The first method, utilizing simple
momentum theory based on Newton’s Laws,
merely states that lift results from the rotor
accelerating a mass of air downward in the
same way that the jet engine develops thrust
by accelerating a mass of air out the tailpipe.
The second method of viewing rotor lift
concerns the pressure forces acting on the
various sections of the blade from root to tip.
The simple momentum theory is useful in
determining only lift characteristics while
the “blade element” theory gives drag as
well as lift characteristics and is useful in
giving a picture of the forces at work on the
rotor. In the “blade element” theory, the
blade is divided up into “blade elements” as
shown in figure 6.15. The forces acting on
each blade element are analyzed. Then the
forces on all elements are summed up to give
the characteristics of the whole rotor. The
relative wind acting on each segment is the
resultant of two velocity components: (1) the
velocity due CO the rotation of the blades
about the hub and (2) the induced velocity,
or downwash velocity caused by the rotor.
the velocity due to rotation at a particular
element is proportional to the rotor speed and
the distance of the element from the rotor hub.
Thus, the velocity due to rotation varies line-
arly from zero at the hub to a maximum at
the tip. A typical blade section with the
forces acting on it is shown in figure 6.15.
A summation of the forces acting perpen-
dicular to the plane of rotation (tip path plane)
will determine the rotor thrust (or lift) char-
acteristics while summation of the moments
resulting from forces acting in the plane of
rotation will determine the rotor torque char-
acteristics. As a result of this analysis, the
rotor thrust (or lift) is found to be propoc-
tional to the air density, a nondimensional
thrust coefficient, and the square of the tip
speed, or linear speed of the tip of the blade.
The thrust coefficient is a function of the aver-
age blade section lift coefficient and the rotor
solidity, which is the proportion of blade area
to disc area. The lift coefficient is identical to
that used in airplane aerodynamics while the
solidity is analagous to the aspect ratio in air-
plane aerodynamics. The rotor torque is
found to be proportional to a nondimensional
torque coefficient, the air density, the disc
area, the square of the tip speed, and the blade
radius. The torque coefficient is dependent
upon the average profile drag coefficient of the
blades, the blade pitch angle, and the average
lift coefficient of the blades. The torque can
be thought to result from components of profile
and induced drag forces acting on the blades,
similar to those on an airplane.
As in the airplane, there is one angle of
attack or blade pitch condition that will result
in the most efficient operation. Unfortu-
nately, the typical helicopter rotor operates
at a near constant RPM and thus a constant
true airspeed and cannot operate at this most
eficient condition over a wide range of altitude
and gross weight as the fixed-wing airplane.
The airplane is able to maintain an efficient
angle of attack at various altitudes, and gross
weights by flying at various airspeeds but the
helicopter will operate with a near constant
rotor velocity and vary blade angle to contend
with variations in altitude and gross weight.
MAVWEPS 00-BOT-80
APPLICATION OF AEBODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PBOBLEMS OF FLYING
ROTOR BLADE ELEMENT
RELATIVE -
ROTATION WIND COMPONENT
DUE TO ROTATION
LOCAL FLOW AT BLADE ELEMENT
VELOCITY DUE
RESULTANT
RELATIVE VELOCITY
--_
TIP PATH PLANE
Figure 6.75. Rotor Blade Flemenf Aerodynamics
NAVWEPS oo-80~-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYl,NG
If the rotor could operate within a wide
range of rotor speed, the efficiency and per-
formance could be improved.
With the previous relationships established
for the rotor in hovering flight, the effect of
forward flight br rotor translation can be con-
sidered. With forward flight, a third velocity
component, that tif the forward velocity of the
helicopter, must be considered in determining
the relative wind acting on each rotor blade
element. Since the entire rotor moves with the
helicopter, the velocity of air passing over
each of the elements on the advancfng blade is
increased by the forward speed of the heli-
copter and the velocity of the air passing over
each element of the retreating blade is de-
creased by the same amount. This is shown in
figure 6.16.
If the blade angles of attack on both advanc-
ing and retreating blades remained the same
as in hovering flight, the higher velocity on
the advancing blade would cause a dissym-
metry of lift and the helicopter would tend to
roll to the left. It was this effect that created
great difficu!ty during many early helicopter
and autogiro projects. Juan De La Cierva was
the first to realize what caused this effect and
he solved the problem by mounting his auto-
giro blades individually on flapping hinges,
thus allowing a flapping action to automati-
cally correct the dissymmetry of lift that re-
sulted from forward flight. This is the method
still used in an articulated rotor system today.
The see-saw, or semi-rigid, rotor corrects the
lift dissymmetry by rocking the entire hub and
blades about a gimbal joint, By rocking the
entire rotor system forward, the angle of at-
tack on the advancing blade is reduced and
the angle of attack on the retreating blade is
increased. The rigid rotor must produce cyclic
variation of the blade pitch mechanically as
the blade rotates to eliminate the lift dissym-
metry. Irrespective of the method used to
correct the dissymmetry of lift, identical aero-
dynamic characteristics result. Thus, what is
said about rotor aerodynamics is equally valid
for all types of rotor systems.
By analyzing the velocity components acting
on the rotor blade sections from the blade
root to the tip on both advancing and retreat-
ing blades, a large variation of blade section
angle of attack is found. Figure 6.16 illus-
trates a typical variation of the local blade
angle of attack for various spanwise positions
along the advancing and retreating blades of
a rotor at high forward speed. There is a
region of positive angles of attack resulting
in positive lift over the entire advancing blade.
Immediately next to the hub of the retreating
blade there is an area of reversed flow where
the velocity due to the forward motion of the
helicopter is greater than the rearward velocity
due to the blade rotation. The next area is a
negative stall region where, although the
flow is in the proper direction relative the
blade, the angle of attack exceeds that for
negative stall. Progressing out the retreating
blade, the blade angle of attack becomes less
negative, resulting in an area of negative lift.
Then the blade angle becomes positive again,
resulting in a positive lift region. The blade
angle continues to increase, until near the tip
of the retreating blade the positive stall angle
of attack is exceeded, resulting in stalling of
the tip section. This wide variation in blade
section angles of attack results in a large
variation in blade section lift and drag coefK-
cients. The overall lift force on the left and
right sides of the rotor disc are equalized by
cyclically varying the blade pitch as explained
previously, but the drag variation is not
eliminated. This drag variation causes a
shaking force on the rotor system and con-
tributes to the vibration of the helicopter.
RETREATING BLADE STALL. Retreat-
ing blade stall results whenever the angle of
attack of the blade exceeds the stall angle of
attack of the blade section. This condition
occurs in high speed flight at the tip of the
retreating blade since, in order to develop the
same lift as the advancing blade, the retreating
NAVWEPS OO-ROT-RO
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
VELOCITY DUE
TO FORWARD
FLIGHT
RETREATING GLADE
VELOCITY DUE
TO ROTATION
REVERSED FLOW
NEGATIVE STALL
NEGATIVE LIFT
VELOCITY DUE
I - POSITIVE STALL ANGLE
LOCAL I/
BLADE
ANGLE OD- nrc7 I
OF HUB
ATTACK
ETRiATING BLADE
-lop I _- - - NEGATIVE STALL ANGLE
,
-ADVANCING
BLADE
Figure 6.16. Rotor Flow Conditions in Forward f/i&
NAVWEPS OD-80140
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
blade must operate at a greater angle of attack.
If the blade pitch is increased or the forward
speed increased the stalled portion of the rotor
disc becomes larger with the stall progressing
in toward the hub from the tip of the retreating
blade. When approximately 15 percent of
the rotor disc is stalled, control of the heli-
copter will be impossible. Flight tests have
determined that control becomes marginal and
the stall is considered severe when the outer
one-quarter of the retreating blade is stalled.
Retreating blade stall can be recognized by
rotor toughness, erratic stick forces, a vibration
and stick shake with a frequency determined
by the number of blades and the rotor speed.
Each of the blades of a three-bladed rotor will
stall as it passes through the stall region and
create a vibration with three beats pet rotor
revolution. Other evidence of retreating blade
stall is partial or complete loss of control or a
pitch-up tendency which can be uncontrollable
if the stall is severe.
Conditions favorable for the occurrence of
retreating blade stall are those conditions that
result in high retreating blade angles of attack.
Each of the following conditions results in a
higher angle of attack on the retreating blade
and may contribute to retreating blade stall:
1. High airspeed
2. Low totor RPM-operation at low
rotor RPM necessitates the use of
higher blade pitch to get a given
thrust from the rotor, thus a higher
angle of attack
3. High gross weight
4. High density altitude
5. Accelerated flight, high load factor
6. Flight through turbulent air or gusts-
sharp updrafts result in temporary
increase in blade angle of attack
7. Excessive ot abrupt control deflections
during maneuvers
Recovery from a stalled condition can be
effected only by decreasing the blade angle of
attack below the stall angle. This can be
accomplished by one or a combination of the
following items depending on severity of the
stall:
1. Decrease collective pitch
2. Decrease airspeed
3. Increase rotor RPM
4. Decrease severity of accelerated ma-
newer or control deflection
If the stall is severe enough to result in pitch-up,
forward cyclic to attempt to control pitch-up
is ineffective and may aggravate the stall since
forward cyclic results in an increase in blade
angle of attack on the retreating blade. The
helicopter will automatically recover from
a severe stall since the airspeed is decreased in
the nose high attitude but recovery can be
assisted by gradual reduction in collective
pitch, increasing RPM, and leveling the heli-
copter with pedal and cyclic stick.
From the previous discussion, it is apparent
that there is some degree of retreating blade
stall even at moderate airspeeds. However,
the helicopter is able to perform satisfactorily
until a sufficiently large area of the rotor disc
is stalled. Adequate warning of the impend-
ing stall is present when the stall condition
is approached slowly. There is inadequate
warni,ng of the stall only when the blade pitch
or blade angle of attack is increased rapidly.
Therefore, unintentional severe stall is most
likely to occur during abrupt control motions
or rapid accelerated maneuvers.
COMPRESSIBILITY EFFECTS. The highest
relative velocities occur at the tip of the ad-
vancing blade since the speed of the helicopter
is added to the speed due to rotation at this
point. When the Mach number of the tip
section of the advancing blade exceeds the
critical Mach number for the rotor blade sec-
tion, compressibility effects result. The criti-
cal Mach number is reduced by thick, highly
cambered airfoils and critical Mach number
decreases with increased lift coefficient. Most
helicopter blades have symmetrical sections
and therefore have relatively high critical
Mach numbers at low lift coefhcients. Since
the principal effects of compressibility are the
large increase in drag and rearward shift of the
airfoil aerodynamic center, compressibility ef-
fects on the helicopter increase the power te-
quired to maintain rotor RPM and cause rotor
roughness, vibration, stick shake, and an un-
desirable structural twisting of the blade.
Since compressibility effects become more
severe at higher lift coefficients (higher blade
angles of attack) and higher Mach numbers,
the following operating conditions represent
the most adverse conditions from the stand-
point of compressibility:
1. High airspeed
2. High rotor RPM
3. High gross weight
4. High density altitude
5. Low temperature-the speed of sound
is proportional to the square root of
the absolute temperature. Therefore,
sonic velocity will be more easily
obtained at low temperatures when
the sonic speed is lower.
6. Turbulent air-sharp gusts momen-
tarily increase the blade angle of
attack and thus lower the critical
Mach number to the point where
compressibility effects may be en-
countered on the blade.
Compressibility effects will vanish by de-
creasing the blade pitch. The similarities in
the critical conditions for retreating blade
stall and compressibility should be noticed
but one basic difference must be appreciated-
compressibility occurs at HIGH RPM while
retreating blade stall occurs at LOW RPM.
Recovery technique is identical for both with
the exception of RPM control.
AUTOROTATION CHARACTERISTICS.
One of the unique characteristics of helicopters
is their ability to take part of the energy of
the airstream to keep the rotor turning and
glide down to a landing with no power.
Consideration of the rotor during a vertical
autorotation will provide an understanding of
why the rotor continues to rotate without
power. During autorotation, the flow of air
NAVWEPS CID-ROT-R0
APP,LlCATlON OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYmING
is upward through the rotor disc and there is
a vertical velocity component equal to the
rate of descent of the helicopter. In addition,
there is a velocity component due to rotation
of the rotor. The vector sum of these two
velocities is the relative wind for the blade
element. The forces resulting from the relative
wind on each particular blade section will
provide the reason why the rotor will continue
to operate without power. First, consider, a
blade element near the tip of the blade as illus-
trated in figure 6.17. At this point there is
a lift force acting perpendicular to the relative
wind and a drag force acting parallel to the
relative wind through the aerodynamic center.
Since the rotation of the rotor is affected only
by forces acting in the plane of rotation, the
important forces are components of the lift
and drag force in the plane of rotation. In
this low angle of attack high speed tip section,
the net in-plane force is a drag force which
would tend to retard the rotor. Next, con-
sider a blade section at about the half-span
position as illustrated in figure 6.17. In this
case, the same forces are present, but the iti-
plane component of lift force is greater than
the drag force and this results in a net thrust
or forward force in the plane of rotation which
tends to drive the rotor.
During a steady autorotation, there is a
balance of torque from the forces along the
blade so that the RPM is maintained in equi-
librium at some particular value. The region
of the rotor disc where there is a net drag force
on the blade is called the “propeller region”
and the region of the rotor disc where there
is a net in-plane thrust force is called the
“autorotation region.” These regions are
shown for vertical autorotation and forward
speed (or normal) autorotation in figure 6.17.
Forces acting on the rotor blades in forward
flight autorotation are similar to those in
vertical autorotation but the difference will
consist mainly of shifts of the autorotation
region to the left and the addition of reverse
NAVWEPS 004oT-80
APPLICATION 0~ AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
LIFT FORCES IN THE
AUTOROTATION REGION
FORCES IN THE
PROPELLER REGION I
LIFT
’ \ DRAG
RESULTANT
VELOCITi DUE TO
ROTe;TION
FLIGHT 1
I DIRECTION
UTOROTATION
VERTICAL AUTOROTATION FORWARD FLIGHT
AUTQRQTa-i\QN
Figure 6.17. Rotor Autorotation Flaw Conditions
flow and negative stall regions similar to the
powered flight condition.
Autorotation is essentially a stable flight
condition. If external disturbances cause the
rotor to slow down, the autorotation region of
the disc automatically expands to restore the
rotor speed to the original equilibrium condi-
tion. On the other hand, if an external
disturbance causes the rotor to speed up, the
propeller region automatically expands and
tends to accelerate the rotor to the original
equilibrium condition. Actually the stable
autorotation condition will exist only when
the autorotational speed is within certain
limits. If the rotor speed is allowed to slow
some excessive amount, then the rotor becomes
unstable and the RPM will decrease even
further unless the pilot immediately corrects
the condition by proper control action.
In case of engine failure, the fixed-wing
airplane will be glided at maximum lift-drag
ratio to produce maximum glide distance. If
minimum rate of descent is desired in power-off
flight rather than maximum glide distance, the
fixed-wing airplane will be flown at some
lower airspeed. Actually, the minimum rate
of descent will occur at minimum power
required. The helicopter exhibits similar char-
acteristics but ordinarily the best autorota~tion
speed may be considered that speed that results
in the minimum rate of descent rather than
maximum glide distance. The aerodynamic
condition of the rotor which produces mini-
mum rate of descent is:
Maximum ratio of
(Mean blade lift coetIicient)3”
Mean blade drag coefficient
It is this ratio which determines the auto-
rotation rate of descent. Figure 6.18 illus-
trates the variation of autorotation rate of
descent with equivalent airspeed for a typical
helicopter. Point A on this curve defines the
point which produces autorotation with mini-
mum rate of descent. Maximum glide distance
NAVWEPS OO-BOT-BO
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYl,NG
during autorotation descent would be obtained
at the flight condition which produces the
greatest proportion between airspeed and rate
of descent. Thus, a straight line from the
origin tangent to the curve will define the
point for maximum autorotative glide dis-
tance. This corresponds to Point B of figure
6.18. If the helicopter is being glided at the
speed for maximum glide distance, a decrease
in airspeed would reduce the rate of descent
but the glide distance would decrease. If the
helicopter is being glided at the speed for
minimum rate of descent, the rate of descent
(steady state) can not be reduced but the glide
distance can be increased by increasing the
glide speed to that for maximum distance.
Weight and wind affect the glide character-
istics of a helicopter the same way an airplane
is affected. Ideally, the helicopter autorotates
at a higher equivalent airspeed at higher gross
weight or when autorotating into a headwind.
In addition to aerodynamic forces which act
on the rotor during autorotation, inertia forces
are also important. These effects are usually
associated with the pilot’s response time be-
cause the rate a pilot reacts to a power failure
is quite critical. The time necessary to reduce
collective pitch and enter autorotation be-
comes critical if the rotor inertia characteristics
are such as to allow the rotor to slow down to
a dangerous level before the pilot can react.
With power on, the blade pitch is relatively
high and the engine supplies enough torque to
overcome the drag of the blades. At the
instant of power failure the blades are at a high
pitch with high drag. If there is no engine
torque to maintain the RPM, the rotor will
decelerate depending on the rotor torque and
rotor inertia. If the rotor has high rotational
energy the rotor will lose RPM less rapidly,
giving the pilot more time to reduce collective
pitch and enter autorotation. If the rotor has
low rotational energy, the rotor will lose RPM
rapidly and the pilot may not be able to react
quickly enough to prevent a serious loss of
rotor RPM. Once the collective pitch is at
PdAVWEPS OD-BOT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
the low pitch limit, the rotor RPM can be in-
creased only by a sacrifice in altitude or air-
speed. If insufficient altitude is available to
exchange for rotor speed, a hard landing is
inevitable. SufIicient rotor rotational energy
must be available to permit adding collective
pitch to reduce the helicopter’s rate of descent
before final ground contact.
In the case of most small helicopters, at
least 300 feet of altitude is necessary for an
average pilot to set up a steady autorotation
and land the helicopter safely without damage.
This minimum becomes 500 to 600 feet for the
larger helicopters, and will be even greater for
helicopters with increased disc loading. These
characteristics are usually presented in the
flight handbook in the form of a “dead man’s
curve” which shows the combinations of air-
speed and altitude above the terrain where a
successful autorotative landing would be dish-
cult, if not impossible.
A typical “dead man’s curve” is shown in
figure 6.18. The most critical combinations
are due to low altitude and low airspeed illus-
trated by area A of figure 6.18. Less critical
conditions exist at higher airspeeds because of
the greater energy available to set up a steady
autorotation. The lower limit of area A is a
finite altitude because the helicopter can be
landed successfully if collective pitch is held
rather than reduced. In this specific case there
is not sufficient energy to reach a steady state
autorotation. The maximum altitude at which
this is possible is approximately ten feet on
most helicopters.
Area B on the “dead man’s curve” of figure
6.18 is critical because of ground contact flight
speed or rate of descent, which is based on the
strength of the landing gear. The average
pilot may have difhculty in successfully flaring
the helicopter from a high speed flight con-
dition without allowing the tail rotor to strike
the ground or contacting the ground at an ex-
cessive airspeed. A less critical zone is some-
times shown on this curve to indicate that
higher ground contact speeds can be permitted
when the landing surface is smooth. In ad-
dition, various stability and control character-
istics of a helicopter may produce critical con-
ditions in this area. The critical areas of the
“dead man’s curve” should be avoided unless
such operation is a specific mission require-
ment.
POWER SETTLING. The term “power
settling” has been used to describe a variety of
flight conditions of the helicopter. True
“power settling” occurs only when the heli-
copter rotor is operating in a rotary flow
condition called the “vortex ring state.”
The flow through the rotor in the “vortex
ring state” is upward near the center of the
disc and downward in the outer portion,
resulting in a condition of zero net thrust on
the rotor. If the rotor thrust is zero, the
helicopter is effectively free-falling and ex-
tremely high rates of descent can result.
The downwash distribution within the
rotor is shown in figure 6.19 for the conditions
of normal hovering and power settling. Part
A of figure 6.19 illustrates the typical down-
wash distribution for hovering flight. If
sufficient power were not available to hover
at this condition, the helicopter would begin
to settle at some rate of descent depending on
the deficiency of power. This rate of descent
would effectively decrease the downwash
throughout the rotor and result in a redistri-
bution of downwash similar to Part B of
figure 6.19. At the outer portion of the
rotor disc, the local induced downwash veloc-
ity is greater than the rate of descent and
downflow exists. At the center of the rotor
disc, the rate of descent is greater than the
local induced downwash velocity and the
resultant flow is upward. This flow condition
results in the rotary “vortex ring” state. By
reference to the basic momentum theory it is
apparent that the rotor will produce no thrust
in this condition if the net mass flow of air
through the rotor is zero. It is important to
note that the main lifting part of the rotor is
not stalled. The rotor roughness and loss of
NAVWEPS OO-BOT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
RATE
OF
DESCENT,
FPM
POWER
OFF
MINIMUM
RATE OF
/ DESCENT
I VELOCITY, KNOTS
DEAD MAN’S CURVE
ALTITUDE ~
ABOVE
TERRAIN
SAFE
F T.
VELOCITY, KNOTS
Figure 6.1%. Autorotation Characteristics
NAVWEPS DO-BOT-BO
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
VARIATION OF INDUCED VELOCITY
ALONG THE BLADE SPAN DURING
HOVERING FLIGHT
VARIATION OF INDUCED VELOCITY
ALONG THE BLADE SPAN DURING
VORTEX RING STATE
VORTEX RING STATE
Figure 6.79. Rotor Downwash Distribution
control experienced during “power settling”
results from the turbulent rotational flow on
the blades and the unsteady shifting of the
flow in and out spanwise along the blade.
There is an area of positive thrust in the outer
portion of the rotor as a result of the mass of
air accelerated downward and an area of
negative thrust at the center of the rotor as a
result of the mass of air flowing upward. The
rotor is stalled only near the hub but no
important effect is contributed because of the
low local velocities.
Operation in the “vortex ring” state is a
transient condition and the helicopter will
seek equilibrium by descending. As the heli-
copter descends, a greater upflow through the
disc results until eventually the flow is entirely
up through the rotor and the rotor enters auto-
rotation where lower rates of descent can be
achieved. Unfortunately, considerable alti-
tude will be lost before the autorotative type
of flow is achieved and a positive recovery
technique must be applied to minimize the loss
of altitude. “Power settling” can be recog-
nized by rotor roughness, loss of control due
to the turbulent rotational flow, and a very
high rate of descent (as high as 3,000 fpm).
It is most likely to be encountered inadvert-
ently when attempting to hover when suf-
ficient power is not available because of high
gross weight or high density altitude.
Recovery from “power settling” can be ac-
complished by getting the rotor out of the
“vortex ring state.” If the condition is en-
countered with low power, rapid application
of full power may increase the downwash suf-
ficiently to get .the rotor out of the condition.
If the condition is encountered at high or
maximum power or, if maximum power does
not effect a recovery, increasing airspeed by
diving will result in recovery with minimum
loss of altitude. This type of recovery is most
effective but adequate cyclic control must be
available. If cyclic control has been lost, re-
covery must be effected by reducing power and
collective pitch and entering autorotation.
NAVWEPS OD-EOT-80
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYING
When normal autorotation has been estab-
lished, a normal power recovery from the auto-
rotation can be made. While such a recovery
technique is effective, considerable altitude
may be lost. Hence, diving out of the power
settling condition provides the most favorable
means of recovery.
Actually, real instances of true “power
settling” are quite rare. A condition often
described incorrectly as “power settling” is
merely a high sink rate as a result of insufficient
power to terminate an approach to landing.
This situation frequently occurs during high
gross weight or high density altitude operation.
The flow conditions within the rotor are quite
normal and there is merely insufficient power
to reduce rate of descent and terminate an
approach. Such a situation becomes more
critical with a steep approach since the more
rapid descent will require more power to
terminate the approach.
THE FLIGHT HANDBOOK
For the professional aviator, there are few
documents which are as important as the air-
plane flight handbook. The information and
data contained in the various sections of the
flight handbook provide the basis for safe and
effective operation of the airplane.
Various sections of the flight handbook are
devoted to the following subjects:
(1) Equipment and Systems. With the me-
chanical complexity of the modern airplane,
it is imperative that the pilot be familiar with
every item of the aircraft. Only through exact
knowledge of the equipment can the pilot
properly operate the airplane and contend
with malfunctions.
(2) Operating Procedures. Good procedures
are mandatory to effect safe operation of the
airplane and its equipment. The complexity
of modern equipment dictates the use of special
and exact procedures of operation and any
haphazard or non-standard procedure is an
NAVWEPS O&ROT-SO
APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMICS
TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF FLYl.NG
invitation for trouble of many sorts. The
normal and emergency procedures applicable
to each specific airplane will insure the
proper operation of the equipment.
(3) Operating Limitatiom. The operation of
the airplane and powerplant must be conducted
within the established limitations. Failure
to do so will invite failure or malfunction of
the equipment and increase the operating cost
or possibly cause an accident.
(4) Flight Characteristics. While all aircraft
will have certain minimum requirements for
flying qualities, the actual peculiarities and
special features of specific airplanes will differ.
These particular flight characteristics must be
well known and understood by the pilot.
(5) Operating Data. The performance of
each specific airplane defines its application to
various uses and missions. The handbook
operating data must be available at all times
to properly plan and elnccate the flight of an
aircraft. Constant reference to the operating
data will insure safe and effective operation
of the airplane.
Great time and effort are expended in the 1
preparation of the flight handbook to provide
the most exact information, data, and pro-
cedures. Diligent study and continuous UC
of the flight handbook will ensure that the
greatest effectiveness is achieved from the
airplane while still operating within the
inherent capabilities of the design.
NAVWEPS 00-802-30
SELECTED REFERENCES
SELECTED REFERENCES
1. Dommasch, Sherby, and Connolly
“Airplane Aerodynamics”
Pitman Publishing Co.
2d Edition, 1957
2. Perkins and Hage
“Airplane Performance, Stability, and Control”
John Wiley and Sons
3. E. A. Bonney
“Engineering Supersonic Aerodynamics”
McGraw-Hill Book Co.
4. Hurt, Vernon, and Martin
“Aeronautical Engineering, Section I, Manual of Instruction, Avi-
ation Safety Officer Course”
University of Southern California
5. Fairchild, Magill, and Brye
“Principles of Helicopter Engineering”
University of Southern California
Revised January 1965
NAVWEPS 00-8OT-80
INDEX
INDEX
P.W
accelerated motion. .......................... 182
adverseyaw ................................. 291
aerodynamic center. .......................... 47
Aerodynamics, Basic, Chapter I. ............... 1
Aerodynamics, High Speed, Chapter III. ........ 201
aeroelastic effects. ............................ 330
afterburner. ................................. 129
aileron reversal. .............................. 339
airfoil
drag characteristics. ........................ 33
lift characteristics. ......................... 27
pitching moments. ......................... 47
terminology. .............................. 20
airspeed
calibrated. ................................ 10
equivalent ................................. 11
indicated .................................. 10
mcasurcmcnt ............................... 9
primary control of airspeed. ................ 27,350
fT”C ....................................... 14
altitude
density altitude. ........................... 4
pressure altitude. ........................... 4
primary control of altitude. ............... 154,352
angle of attack. .............................. 22
angle of attack indicator. ..................... 357
angleofbank ............................... 37,176
angle of climb. .............................. 152
Application of Aerodynamics to Specific Prob-
lems of Flying, Chapter VI. ............... 349
approach .................................... 360
aspect ratio. ................................. 61
asymmetrical Power, multi-engine airplane, 294
atmosphere
properties ................................. 1
standard ................................... 4
autorotation characteristics. ................... 405
autorotative rolling. ....................... 309,317
available thrust and power. ................... 104
axis system, airplane reference. ................ 249
Bernoulli equation. ............................ 6
bobweight .................................. 273
boundarylayer ............................... 52
boundary layer control. ....................... 43
brake mean effective pressure, BMEP. .......... 137
*IL*e
brake horsepower, BHP. ...................... 137
braking performance. .................. ..... 387
braking technique. ......... .... ..... ..... 390
calibrated airspeed, CAS ....................... 10
center of gravity limitations. ........... 259,275
center of pressure. ............... ..... ..... 47
circulation. .................................. 16
climb angle. ................................. 152
climb performance. ...... ..... ...... .... 150
climb rate. .. ........................ ...... 154
components of the gas turbine. ................ 109
compressible flow. .......................... 204
compressibility ............................. 201
compressor stall or surge. .. .... ...... .... 125
control force stability. ........................ 264
control of airspeed and altitude. ................ 349
control, Stability and Control, Chapter IV. ...... 243
control systems, longitudinal. ................. 281
creep considerations. ......................... 330
critical altitude. .......... .................. 143
critical field length. ............ ............. 396
critical Mach number. ........................ 215
cumulative damage. ... ..... ...... ..... 328
cycle of operation
gas turbineengine .......................... 106
reciprocating engine. ....................... 135
damping ..................................... 247
density, density ratio. ........................ 2
density altitude. .. .......................... 4
detonation .. .:. ....................... 140, 194
dihedral ..................................... 295
directional control .. .......... ............. 290
directional stability. ......................... 284
divergence ................................ 245, 342
downspring, ................................. 270
downwash ................................... 66
drag
coefficient. ........ ................. 29
equation ................................... 29
induced ................................... 66
parasite. .. .. ..... ... ............. 87
total ...................................... 92
dynamic pressure. .... ... .... ............ : 9
dynamic stability., ... .... .... ... ....... 245
efficiency factor. ..... ... ...... .. ....... 89
endurance Pwe
off-optimum. .............................. 172
performance. ............... .... ......... 170
specific ................................. 158, 170
engine failure
effect on multiengine airplane. ............ 294, 376
power off glide performance. ................ 369
equilibrium conditions. ....................... 150
equivalent airspeed, EAT. .................... 11
equivalent parasite area. ...................... 89
equivalent shaft horsepower, ESHP. ........... 133
expansionwave .............................. 211
factorofsafcty ............................... 326
fatigue considerations. ........................ 328
feathering and governing of propellers. ......... 148
flap
aerodynamic effects. ....................... 37, 43
typCS ...................................... 41
flutter ....................................... 342
force divergence. ............................. 218
friction
braking, ............................. 388
cocfficicnt. ................................ 388
skin friction. .............................. 54
frost ........................................ 373
fuel qualities. ................................ 141
glide performance. ........................... 369
governing apparatus, turbine engines. .......... 121
governing and feathering of propellers. ......... 147
gusts and wind shear. .................... ... 367
gust load factor. ........................... 332
groundeffect ................................. 379
heating, aerodynamic. ........................ 242
helicopter, problems. ......................... 399
helicopter stability and control. ............. 319
high lift
devices .. ...... ............ ... ., ., 39
flight at high lift conditions ................. 35
High Speed Aerodynamics, Chapter III. ........ 201
humidity, effect on power. .................... 144
ice .......................................... 373
indicated airspeed, IAS. ......... ............. 10
induced
angle of attack. ........................... 66
drag. .................................... 66
drag coefficient. ........................... 68
flow. ..................................... 63
inertia coupling. ................... ....... 315
inlets, supersonic powerplant. ................. 238
interference between airplanes in flight. ........ 383
items of airplane performance. ................. 150
landing and ground loads. .................... 343
landing flare and touchdown, ............. 362
NAVWEPS 00-8OT-80
INDEX
Psge
!a”ding gear configuration stability. ........... 305
landing performance. ...... ... .... ... 192
factors affecting performance. .... ........... 196
lateral co”trol, ............................... 300
lateral stability. ....................... .... 294
lift
characteristics. ........................... 24
coefficient .................................. 23
equation ................................... 23
generation .. ............ ............ ... 16, 63
lift-drag ratio. ............................... 32
limit load. ................................. 326
linespeeds ................................... 394
load factor ................................ 37, 331
load spectrum. ............. _ ................. 328
longitudinal
control .................................... 275
dynamic stability. .......................... 279
static stability. ........................... 250
Mach number
definition. .................................. 202
critical Mach “umber. ...................... 2!5
maneuvering load factor ..................... 331
maneuvering performance. ........ ........... 176
maneuvering stability. ...................... 268
mean aerodynamic chord, MAC. ............. 63
mirror landing system ......................... 358
normal shock wave. .......................... 207
obliqueshockwave .......................... 207
operating limitations
propellers, ..................... .... 148
reciproczring c ... .................. 144
turbojet ................................... 124
.. turboprop. ............................... 133
Operating Strength Limitations, Chapter V. .... 325
overstress, effect on service life. ................ 344
parasite area, equivalent. .... .............. 89
parasitedrag ................................. 87
performance, Airplane Performance, Chapter II. 95
pilot induced oscillarion. ..................... 314
pitching moment
airfoil. .................................... 47
longitudinal. .................. ........ 249, 251
pitch-up ..................................... 313
pitot-static system. ............... ........... 9
planform effects. ............................. 61
power effects on stability. ..................... 259
power off stability ... ........................ 259
power required. ................... .......... 96
power settling. ................... ........ 4c3
preignition, ........... .... .... 140
pressure altitude. ......... .... ... ... .. 4
pressure distribution. .. ......... ..... 14
NAVWEPS OO-EOT-80
INDEX
proprllcrs lmd
charactcrlstics. ........... : ............... 14s
efficiency .................................. 145
opcrarmg limitations. ............ : ......... 148
propulsion
etlicicncy .................................. 106
principles. ............. : _ ................. 104
ram tempcraturc rise. ......................... 242
range performance. $ .................... ..... 158
off-optimum conditions. .................... 172
propeller airplanes. ......................... 160
turbojet airplanes ........................... 164
rate of climb. ................................ 154
reciprocating engines
operating characteristics ..................... 13s
operating limitations. ....................... 144
refusal speed, ....... .+: .................... :, .... 392
tetreating blade stall. ......................... 402
reversed command region. ..................... 353
Reynolds number. ............. :. ............. 54
scale effect. .................................. 59
separation, airflow. ............................ 56
service life. ................................ 328
shock induced separation. ..................... 218
shock wave formation. ....................... 218
sideslip angle. ............................... 284
slipstream rotation. .......................... 294
sonic booms. ................................. 396
spanwise lift distribution. ..................... 74
specificendurance ............................. 170
specific fuel consumption
reciprocating engine. ....................... 141
turbojet cngi.ne. ......................... 117
specificrange ................................. 158
speed, maximum and minimum. ............... 150
spin,spinrecovery..........................291, 307
Srability and Control, Chapter IV. ............. 243
stability
directional. ................................ 284
dynamic ................................... 245
helicopter .................................. 319
lateral ..................................... 294
longitudinal. ... : .......................... 250
miscellaneous problems. ..................... 305
static ............................ ......... 243
stallspeeds ................................. 35
Page
seal pattern. ................................ 77
stall rec”very. ............................... 39
standard atmosphere. ......................... 4
static strength. ............................... 326
streamline pattern. ............. ............. 14
supercharging. ............................... 141
supersonic airfoil sections. .................... 223
sweepback ................................... 63
advantages .................................. 226
disadvantages. ............................. 231
takeoff ...................................... 365
takeoff performance. .......................... 184
factors affecting performance. ................ 187
taper, taper ratio. ............................ 63
thrust augmentation. ......................... 129
thrust required. .............................. 96
time limitations, powcrplants. ............... 128, 144
tip stall. .................................... 77
tip vortex. .................................. 63
torque. ............................... ,;, ........ 137
transition of boundary layer. .................. 52 .. transon1c aIrfoIl scctlo”s. ...................... 220
true airspeed, TAS. ........................... 14
turbojetengines .............................. 107
operating characteristics. ................... 116
operating limitations. ...................... 124
turboprop, gas turbine-propeller combination. ... 132
turbulence.................................332, 339
turning performance. ......................... 178
turn rate, turn radius. ........................ 176
unsymmetrical power, see asymmetrical power.
viscosity. ................................... 4
V-n or V-g diagram. ......................... 334
vortex system. ............................... 63
line or bound vortex. ....................... 64
tip or trailing vortex. ...................... 64
w&r injection
reciprocating engine. ....................... 144
turbojetengine ............................. 131
wavedrag................................. , 215
wind, effect on range. ........................ 168
windshear ................................. 367
yaw,adverse ................................ 291
yawangle ................................... 284
YPWm”me”t ................................ 284
t?evised Jcmuarv 1965
