FLIGHT INVESTIGATION OF THIS EFFECTIVENESS OF AN AUTOMATIC AILERON TRIM CONTROL DEVICE FOR PERSONAL AIRPLANES

摘要

A flight Investigation to determine the effectiveness of an auto-matic aileron trim control device installed in a personal airplane to augment the apparent spiral stability has been conducted. The device utilizes a rate-gyro sensing element in order to switch an on-off type of control that operates the ailerons at a fixed rate through control centering springs. An analytical study using phase-plane and analog-computer methods has been carried out to determine a desirable method of operation for the automatic trim control;nResults indicate that the device is capable of maintaining the air¬plane in equilibrium over its operational speed range under directional out-of-trim conditions that would cause rapid divergence of the basic airplane. The device also prevents excessive heading wander and airplane gyrations in turbulent air without pilot control. A means for holding the airplane in a stabilized turn to facilitate mild maneuvering through the automatic control is provided.