[工程科技]The X-31A Quasi-Tailless Flight Test Results.pdfVIP

NASA Technical Paper 3624 June 1996 The X-31A Quasi-Tailless Flight Test Results John T. Bosworth and P. C. Stoliker NASA Technical Paper 3624 1996 The X-31A Quasi-Tailless Flight Test Results John T. Bosworth and P. C. Stoliker Dryden Flight Research Center Edwards, California National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Management Scientific and Technical Information Program A quasi-tailless flight investigation was launched using the X-31A enhanced fighter maneuverability airplane. In-flight simulations were used to assess the effect of partial to total vertical tail removal. The rud- der control surface was used to cancel the stabilizing effects of the vertical tail, and yaw thrust vector com- mands were used to restabilize and control the airplane. The quasi-tailless mode was flown supersonically with gentle maneuvering and subsonically in precision approaches and ground attack profiles. Pilot ratings and a full set of flight test measurements were recorded. This report describes the results obtained and em- phasizes the lessons learned from the X-31A flight test experiment. Sensor-related issues and their impor- tance to a quasi-tailless simulation and to ultimately controlling a directionally unstable vehicle are assessed. The X-31A quasi-tailless flight test experiment showed that tailless and reduced tail fighter air- craft are definitely feasible. When the capability is designed into the airplane from the beginning, the ben- efits have the potential to outweigh the added complexity required. ABSTRACT A quasi-tailless flight investigation was launched using the X-31A e