Simulation Evaluation of Transition and Hover Flying Qualities of the E-7A STOVL Aircraft

A generalized simulation model has been prepared for use in conducting piloted evaluations of short takeoff/vertical landing aircraft, and an initial fixed-base simulation of the General Dynamics E-7A configuration has been completed. Objectives of the simulation were to define the acceptable transition flight envelope, determine control power used during transition and hover, and evaluate the integration of the aircraft's flight and propulsion controls to achieve good flying qualities throughout die low-speed flight envelope. Results provide a general view of the acceptable transition corridor, expressed in terms of minimum climb capability. Pilots' evaluations indicated that Level 1 flying qualities could be achieved for deceleration to hover in instrument conditions, for airfield landings, and for recovery to a small ship when attitude and velocity stabilization and command augmentation control modes were provided. Level 1 to Level 2 flying qualities were obtained for these same tasks when only the attitude command mode was used, leaving the pilot to perform the task of thrust management required to control flightpath and speed in transition and horizontal and vertical translational velocities in hover.