VMCA Flight Test of the Carrier-Landin', Mail-Hauling' C-2A

摘要

The C-2A is a Navy, carrier-based aircraft used for the Carrier On- Board Delivery (COD) mission. The aircraft was recently equipped with an L-Probe pitot-static system. Comparison of L-Probe data with previous pitot-static data suggested that approach speeds might be below published Vmc. Analysis of original Vmc flight test suggested that actual Vmc had not been reached. Also, more mission representative Vmc techniques developed in recent years, could provide a more accurate Vmc number. Flight tests were conducted to reassess Vmc using the L-probes as the primary pitot-Static source. Vmc tests were conducted in 10 flights, 23 hours and included over 40 actual engine shutdowns. Both the Classic (FTM-103) and Waveoff techniques were used during the flight test. The techniques were conducted at intermediate airspeed ranges for comparative purposes. Both techniques required additional analysis and clarification to ensure minimal airspeed change from the time the engine was secured to the time initial control inputs were made and subsequent. Several other techniques/test conditions were employed to ensure a more conservative Vmc number and proper mission relation. Finally, new airspeed data evaluation considerations helped provide final Vmc numbers for fleet use. The lower Vmc number will permit approach to landings over a broader weight range. The C-2A Vmc test effort not only yielded new, more accurate Vmc numbers for the C-2A aircraft, it also yielded many lessons learned that will be of assistance to future Vmc testers.