Development of Longitudinal Equivalent System Models for Selected U.S. Navy Tactical Aircraft

Abstract

Abstract : Frequency response matching techniques were applied to the longitudinal dynamics of five Navy tactical aircraft: the A-6, A-7, S-3, F-14 and F-18, to obtain equivalent system models of their short period response. The pitch rate transfer function was matched with a first order numerator over second order denominator equivalent system model. Freeing the numerator root (L Alpha) in the matching process resulted in large unrealistic values of the numerator term. The variation in L Alpha was reduced by simultaneously matching the pitch rate and normal acceleration transfer functions with the denominators constrained to be equal. The mismatch parameter associated with aircraft configurations which were not amenable to the first over second order equivalent models could be improved by identifying additional roots in the equivalent model. Correlation of the data with the requirements of MIL-F-8785C was straightforward for both short period damping ratio and time delay. Correlation of the frequency requirements, however, required that the control anticipation parameter definition be modified to represent the maximum rather than the initial pitch acceleration response.