In-Flight Simulation and Handling Qualities Examination of a Flying Wing

Kurzfassung

The assurance of appropriate handling qualities represents a critical aspect for the development of a flying wing. This paper presents an analysis and evaluation of the handling qualities of a flying wing configuration for 750 passengers. In a detailed theoretical pre-examination the handling qualities of the baseline-configuration of this aircraft have been analyzed with analytical methods and evaluated using analytical handling qualities criteria. Based on these results an in-flight simulation is performed for an extended examination of the characteristic flying qualities. The in-flight simulation is carried out with the research aircraft ATTAS of DLR which is able to simulate other airplane configurations during flight. The analysis of the flight dynamics of the flying wing during the in-flight simulation and the test pilot’s evaluation of its flight characteristics and controllability provide a very detailed and realistic characterization of the specific and critical handling qualities of this unconventional aircraft. This method therefore represents a unique and very efficient extension of the previously executed theoretical handling qualities analysis. Specific flight dynamics that are examined during the in-flight simulation include the unsatisfactory Dutch roll characteristics and distinct yaw motion of the flying wing during turns as well as the strong pitch-up tendency at high sideslip angles. Furthermore the implementation of a basic control law is used to evaluate the potential to improve the handling qualities of the flying wing by automatic flight control.