Method for Prediction and Determination of Takeoff Performance for Vectored Thrust Vehicles

摘要

YAV-8B and AV-8B Short Takeoff(STO) test results had indicated that STO techniques for the Harrier II could be further optimized, particularly for operations at higher hover weight ratios (1.3 and above). This paper documents a method to predicted and determine optimum land-based STO performance with minimum flight testing required. The method was applied during the determination of the optimum STO performance of the AV-8B, and is tailored generally toward thrust vectored vehicles with rapid thrust vectoring capability. With certain assumptions accounted for this approach can also be used in less restricted cases. Emphasis was placed on developing a repeatable task terminating with sufficient flight path acceleration at 50 ft AGL. STO tests conducted using the revised STO procedures validated the improvement in STO performance. Changes to the AV-8B flight operations manual were recommended in order to implement the revised STO task.