The XC-142A Flight Test Program

The objectives of the XC-142A Flight Test Program are outlined. The philosophy used. in planning the program is discussed and the original plan is reviewed. Events leading up to first flight, first hover and. first transition are discussed. A comparison is then drawn between the plan and. actual accomplishments. Accomplishments following initial conversion are then outlined. Program statistics are discussed. and the aircraft instrumentation system and data reduction methods are outlined. Some results obtained to date are presented and compared with predictions. The discussion touches upon performance, structural demonstration and system performance but major emphasis is placed on flying, qualities in the hover and transition flight regimes. Pilots comments are included.