HP-41CV Flight Performance Advisory System (FPAS) For The E-2C, E-2B, and C-2A Aircraft

Abstract

This report describes follow-on work performed under the auspices of AE 4900, Directed Studies in Aeronautical Engineering at the Naval Post- graduate School, to complement the original design of a Flight Performance Advisory System (FPAS) for the E-2C aircraft. The original design fulfilled the requirements of AE 3001, Aircraft Energy Conservation. AE 3001, offered in the Fall Quarter 1981, and conducted by Professor Allen E. Fuhs, was sponsored in part by the Naval Air Development Center (NADC). NADC desired to obtain the input of several fleet experienced aviators in order to design program code for the HP-41CV handheld, programmable calculator that would benefit pilots by providing them with fuel efficiency parameters in flight. Calculators were made available to the participants with the proviso that a completed and operable code for each aircraft be submitted by the end of the academic quarter, September 1981. Upon completion of the E-2C program, attempts were made to use the calculator in flight. One test was conducted informally in an E-2C at RVAW-llO, NAS Miramar. Unfortunately, the voltage field induced in the cockpit by the main lobe of the radar passing over the cockpit caused the calculator to cease functioning. The need to devise shielding for the calculator, plus the desire to simplify and improve the existing code lead to this effort. Concurrently, a decision was made to modify a program designed for the E-2B by another officer and to create a program for the C-2A. Since all three aircraft are similar in performance characteristics, an attempt has been made to standardize code format. All programming efforts were sponsored by NADC. Upon special request from NADC, a kneeboard was also designed to incorporate the HP-41CV in a compact arrangement to enhance its utility and prevent additional loose items in the cockpit. Photographs and construction details are included.