Air Combat Advantages from Reaction Control Systems

A two-phase digital simulation of the effect of Reaction Controls on high-angle of attack has been conducted. The first phase conducted at the DAvid W. TAylor Naval Ship R&D Center sized and developed the reaction control system for a modern high performance fighter aircraft. The results of this phase indicated increased roll response due primarily to increased yaw control power.

The second phase was a manned one-on-one study conducted at the NASA Langley Differential Maneuvering Simulator using Navy/Marine pilots. Results of this study indicated a 4 to 1 Time on Advantage ratio for the reaction controlled aircraft from a neutral start position.

Time on Advantage ratios were 1.66 to 1 and 28 to 1 when the reaction controlled aircraft was placed at a disadvantage and advantage respectively.