Parameter Variation-An Insight to V/STOL Design

Abstract

Dimensional stability derivatives gathered from a simulator during the development of the XV-4B aircraft have been varied one and two at a time in a computer program for extracting the roots of the lateral-directional characteristic equation. These roots have been used to provide complex plane plots indicating the effect of derivative variation on the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle. Secondary plots have been used to show the breakdown of the elements making up each derivative. The sources for these elements and factors affecting their prediction have been examined, along with changes required to modify the vehicle's dynamic characteristics. Some comparisons are made with other vehicles.