Low-Speed Flight Characteristics of a Powered-Lift Jet Transport During the Landing Approach

A flight-test program to determine the flight characteristics of large jet transports equipped with powered-lift systems indicated the following results: Speed margins appear to be primarily related to power-on stall speeds. At these speed margins, the maneuver margins were adequate and did not appear to be a problem or limiting factor during powered-lift operation. No large detrimental effects on handling qualities were apparent but in some areas stability augmentation would be required to obtain satisfactory flight characteristics. Use of the powered-lift airplane would result in a sizable increase in the noise levels; these increases are primarily the result of higher engine power settings in the approach.