Aerodynamic stability and control of ducted- propeller aircraft

Test results from studies of small and large powered models of a dual, tandem, ducted-propeller VTOL design are reviewed, with emphasis on stability and control characteristics through the transition speed range. The character­istics are generally satisfactory. Stability augmentation may be required to reduce Dutch roll tendencies. Further study is needed to evaluate the appar­ently large side-force gradients in sideslip. Reductions in control effective­ness due to ground proximity are similar to those for tilt-wing V /STOL designs.