OPERATIONAL TEST AND EVALUATION OF THE B-70 VERTICAL FLIGHT INSTRUMENT DISPLAY.

The B-70 vertical flight instruments are an improvement over the F-105106 instruments. The change that was accepted most universally is the vernier altitude scale. This scale eliminated the previous complaints that altitude was too difficult to maintain due to the altitude scale movement. The airspeed mach indicator drew the most criticism. The slewing switches were an improvement over the former switches. Relocating these switches, however, would be a greater improvement. The warning flags drew severe criticism, especially from seasoned test pilots. A fluctuating indication will be much more eyecatching, especially during periods of high task load. The self-test feature proved to be beneficial during this evaluation. During the project a malfunction of the airspeed mach indicator was rapidly isolated by use of the self-test circuit. The altitude readout feature proved to be of no value. It is felt that the addition of the vernier scale eliminated the need for the readout position. Author