Determination of horizontal tail load and hinge moment characteristics from flight data

Abstract

Horizontal tail load and hinge moment derivatives were obtained from flight data through the use of parameter identification techniques. For these analyses, strain gage data were used in conjunction with gyroscope, accelerometer, and other airplane response measurements. The resulting derivatives were compared with fulland small-scale wind-tunnel data. The strain gage measurements are shown to be a practical means of obtaining hinge moment derivatives and improving the accuracy of other derivatives.