Aerodynamic Study for Development of an Optimum Angle of Attack Display System.

A study was made to determine the factors that affect aircraft stall and to consider what could be done in designing a usable angle of attack display system to help warn the pilot of an unsafe condition or impending stall. The basic theory of stall was considered. The theory presented a basis for determining the type of display system required and the necessary aerodynamic and aircraft configuration inputs to such a system. The results of the study show that a system displaying the ratio of the instantaneous lift coefficient to the maximum lift coefficient at stall would be optimum. The system would be designed to include the basic lift coefficient versus angle of attack curves for all configurations. The display range for such a system would be 0.0 to 1.0. The results of the study also indicate that obtaining accurate aerodynamic data for inclusion in the system and optimizing the response of the system to provide a flyable display are the most significant problem areas to be encountered. The most accurate data and response information can only be obtained through a well instrumented flight test program. Author