1. Flight 3-11-20 was flown on October 23, 1962, by Major Robert Rushworth for the purpose of evaluating the ventral-off handling qualities at angles of attack up to 15° and at Mach numbers less than 5.5. A cursory review of the flight indicates that the objectives were only partially accomplished. Flight performance of the MH-96 FCS adaptive flight control system was satisfactory. There was no component failures or system malfunctions in the FCS during flight.

2. Pre-launch operations for the flight and the launch were not normal. Two minutes were added to the pre-launch checkout time of the FCS because the inertial platform was not on Internal power, as required for the initial check run. The second check run was completed satisfactorily with only one temporary indication of mis-trim in the pitch axis.

The launch was accomplished by the B-52 pilot because the X-15 launch circuit breaker had popped.

3. The launch was made in the vicinity of Mud Lake at an altitude of 45,000 feet. The entire flight was completed essentially as planned. An out-of-trim condition, causing left roll, in the basic lateral control system prevented the pilot from obtaining the requested lateral pulses. Continuous lateral control by the pilot was necessary to counter the roll mis-trim and the data therefore, will be difficult to analyze. With dampers on, the pilot considered handling qualities good. With lateral and directional dampers off, the handling qualities were acceptable. There is evidence to indicate that the low directional stability reported on flight 3-10-19 at about M = 3 also exists through M 5. The directional stability was increased during this flight when the speed brakes were extended. In spite of the low directional stability, the pilot considered the handling qualities acceptable, primarily because the period was long (relatively low dynamic pressure) and he felt that there was adequate control. The maneuvers (pulses) that were requested with speed brakes extended, were not performed because of a lack of range and time.
 
 

Elmor J. Adkins

Aerospace Engineer