Preliminary Results of a Free-Flight Investigation of the Static Stability and Aileron Control Characteristics of 1/6 Scale Models of the Bell MX-776

An investigation of the static longitudinal stability, static directional stability, and aileron control characteristics at transonic and supersonic speeds is being made of 1/6 scale rocket-propelled model of the Bell MX-776. A stability investigation has been made of two symmetrical models with controls undeflected and centers of gravity one-half and one-body diameter, respectively, ahead of the equivalent design center-of-gravity location of the full-scale version. Both models developed large normal-force coefficients in both the subsonic and supersonic ranges which indicated longitudinal instability at low angles of attack. The side-force coefficients were small for both models and indicated that the models were directionally stable. A possible tendency toward dynamic directional instability in the transonic region was indicated by short-period oscillations of the side forces. The results showed a partial-span inboard aileron to be ineffective or to cause negative control in the the transonic region when deflected approximately 5 deg but not when deflected 10 deg. An investigation of drag showed it to increase with a rearward movement of the center of gravity. This indicates an increase in the trim angle of attack as could be caused by a decrease in static stability.