An investigation was made of the pilot's ability to control a simulated supersonic transport at a Mach number of 3 and an altitude of 70,000 feet, with emphasis on regions of low stability and damping characteristics. The fixed-base simulator employed no outside visual or motion cues and no outside disturbances. Routine tasks such as maintaining constant altitude, changing altitude, and changing heading were performed. Desirable stick forces and sensitivities were also determined. The investigation was divided into two parts: studies of the longitudinal stability characteristics and of the lateral-directional characteristics. In investigating one mode the stability and damping of the other mode was increased to a "satisfactory" level. This procedure should tend to give more favorable ratings than would be obtained with no improved stability or damping about any axis.
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