Results of Piloted Simulation of Grumman Design 698

The third in a series of three piloted simulations of the Grumman Design 698 Tilt-Fan V/STOL Demonstrator was conducted at NASA Ames Research Center on the Vertical Motion Simulator. Both single-engine-failure characteristics (with and without engine cross-shafting) and hover/low-speed handling qualities were investigated. Based on minimum recovery speed, altitude loss, and ejection capability following a single engine failure, the cross-shafted configuration offers a substantial increase in flight safety over the non-cross-shafted configuration. Based on handling qualities ratings, touchdown performance, and pilot comments, attitude command/attitude hold or translational rate command/translational rate hold response type control systems yield satisfactory handling qualities during shipboard terminal operations.