Theoretical study of some methods for increasing the smoothness of flight through rough air

Abstract : A theoretical study, based on the usual assumptions of airplane stability theory, has been made of the response to gusts and the stability and control characteristics of an airplane equipped with systems in which wing flaps and elevators are operated to reduce accelerations in rough air. These surfaces are assumed to be actuated by an automatic control system in response to the indications of an angle-of-attack vane or an accelerometer. The effect of interconnection of the flap-operating mechanism with the pilot's control as a means of over-coming the adverse effects of these systems on the control characteristics of the airplane is investigated. Limitations of the theory are discussed. Formulas are given for calculating the response to gusts, the response to control movements, and the static and dynamic stability characteristics of airplanes equipped with these devices.