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Abstract

Motivated by the unsatisfactory handling qualities of a conceptual Blended-Wing-Body (BWB) aircraft uncovered during recent assessments, flying qualities requirements for relaxed static stability (RSS) next-generation civilian aircraft are developed through a series of flight simulation experiments. The flying qualities of a regional-class MDO-based BWB are examined to illustrate the shortcomings of existing designs. A flight simulation experiment is then conducted on a large transport aircraft model with variable short-period and Dutch Roll dynamics to establish envelopes of acceptable flying qualities based on Cooper-Harper Handling Qualities Ratings and NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) scores. Controllability limits for RSS aircraft are suggested based on feedback from test pilots and commercial pilots, alongside Dutch Roll requirements in the presence of unstable pitch dynamics. Implications of the results for the design of next-generation BWB aircraft are then discussed, as is their implementation as Stability and Control constraints in MDO algorithms. Results represent a step towards enabling next-generation RSS aircraft with sufficient handling qualities to enable safe landings in the event of a stability augmentation system failure, thus achieving the trim drag benefits inherent to RSS while mitigating the risks of certifying civilian aircraft requiring full stability augmentation.

Details

1010268
Title
Flying Qualities Requirements for Relaxed Static Stability Next-Generation Civilian Aircraft
Number of pages
89
Publication year
2025
Degree date
2025
School code
0779
Source
MAI 87/5(E), Masters Abstracts International
ISBN
9798265445759
University/institution
University of Toronto (Canada)
Department
Aerospace Science and Engineering
University location
Canada -- Ontario, CA
Degree
M.A.S.
Source type
Dissertation or Thesis
Language
English
Document type
Dissertation/Thesis
Dissertation/thesis number
32244493
ProQuest document ID
3276471128
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/flying-qualities-requirements-relaxed-static/docview/3276471128/se-2?accountid=208611
Copyright
Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works.
Database
ProQuest One Academic