A simulator study of the horizontal landing characteristics and piloting techniques for manned re-entry gliders

A fixed based simulator study of the approach and tangential landing of a class of manned re-entry gliders was conducted to determine the piloting techniques and vehicle parameters which best define the approach and landing problem. Tests were conducted on. 5 configurations typical of proposed vehicles with maximum lift to drag ratios of 3 to 5. The problem was Investigated from final approach to touchdown, In still and turbulent air, simulating longitudinal equations of motion only. A three phase landing consisting of a steady glide final approach, a nearly constant load factor flare maneuver, and a 15 to 20 second shallow angle, final glide was the preferred technique. The vehicle parameters found to be most Important were maximum lift to drag ratio and speed for minimum drag. A landing analysis based on fitted parabolic drag polars and a constant load factor flare was found to be valid for the vehicles tested.

Department dc:contributor.department

Aerospace and Mechanical Sciences

Grantor dc:publisher

Princeton University

Year dc:date.issued

1965

Author dc:creator

• Weiland, Robert F.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Seckel, E.

Statement dc:rights

• This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10945/13049

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:calhoun.nps.edu:10945/13049