Chapter 13 - Performance

This Section will set forth the types of tests, procedures, instrumentation requirements, data analysis and presentation, and the purposes for conducting performance tests. In general, performance tests are conducted to: 1) Determine those elements of the aircraft's performance which are critical from flight safety considerations, i.e., the weight/altitude/temperature limits at which the applicable performance requirements with respect to the take-off and landing distances and climb gradients are met; 2) Acquire data to quantify the capabilities of an aircraft, to verify and/or establish the aircraft's performance model, and to provide information for the Aircraft Operation Manual (AOM); and 3) Determine if an aircraft meets specifications/guarantees. There are a number of sources of detailed information on conducting performance tests, and analyzing and presenting data. A few of these sources are listed as references and a selected few are contained as bibliographic entries. [13-1, 13-2, 13-3] This Section offers a broad introduction to the topic: although based principally on typical civil practice, a similar approach is applied to military aircraft, and aspects specific to military aircraft, such as combat, are covered.