A simulation of the low speed handling of the BAC 221 slender-wing research aircraft

Abstract

A piloted flight simulator study of the low speed handling of the BAC 221 slender-wing research aircraft was performed for validation of the simulation of slender-wing supersonic transport aircraft. The lateral representation of the aircraft was satisfactory, and lateral control problems experienced on the real aircraft at high angles of incidence were reproduced on the simulator and investigated in more detail than would be practicable in flight. There were several discrepancies in the longitudinal characteristics of the simulation, some of which can be attributed to inadequate representation of visual cues: satisfactory explanation of other discrepancies has not yet been obtained but a further simulation may resolve these problems. Sidestep manoeuvres and crosswind landings were studied, and the overall quality of the simulation is discussed in relation to previous supersonic transport aircraft simulations.