Handling Criteria

Abstract

SummaryThe nature of handling criteria and their uses in relation to the prediction of aircraft handling characteristics are discussed. A brief history is given of the development of ideas on handling, and a survey is made of criteria for modern aircraft, looking particularly at the physical factors affecting the pilot, as an indication of the basis of the criteria. The novel handling features arising with new aircraft species like slender wings and VTOL are considered. The scope of flight simulators and variable stability aircraft for systematic study of handling is discussed and the potentialities of theoretical study by means of servo analysis techniques considered. Finally, possible lines of development in relation to the assessment of aircraft handling characteristics are suggested.