Measurement and improvement of the lateral agility of the F-18

THIS synoptic highlights parameters which affect the lateral agility of a modern fighter aircraft. This is accomplished using a generic, nonreal-time simulation of the F-18 to study lateral agility as measured by the time to roll through 90-deg metric, TTR90. Specific, simple modifications which improve the existing agility of this aircraft are shown, and are easily applicable to other aircraft. A sensitivity study on the effects of modified actuator rates and roll and yaw control powers, employed both singly and in combinations, demonstrate that a 1030% improvement in lateral agility, as measured by the TTR90metric, can be achieved. Additionally, coordinating the wind axis roll acceleration by slowing the aileron input rate yields a further improvement in TTR90. This modification reduces adverse sideslip and improves the character of the roll response. 1992 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rights reserved.

Measurement and improvement of the lateral agility of the F-18 Academic Article