An investigation of two-propeller tilt wing V/STOL aircraft flight characteristics

Abstract

The results of a two-propeller tilt wing aircraft static stability and performance simulation utilizing a NASA-Ames computer code, Tilt Wing Application General (TWANG), are presented with comparisons to actual test flight data. The Canadair CL-84 tilt wing aircraft was used as a model for the geometric data utilized by the computer simulation. Aerodynamic data for the simulation were obtained from previous NASA Ames research related to a four-propeller model. Variables used included a wide range of parameters associated with flight conditions from hovering flight to maximum cruise speeds at several different altitudes and wing tilt configurations. Longitudinal pitch stability was the driving factor in determining aircraft static stability for the various flight conditions. Results of the simulation indicate that the TWANG computer code provides an accurate prediction of both generic and specific tilt wing aircraft static pitch performance characteristics, as well as the additional capability of providing the required mathematical parameters for incorporation into the NASA Ames Vertical Motion Simulator as software inputs.