Theory and Practice of Aircraft Performance

CHAPTER 3Air Data Measuring Instruments, Systems and Parameters

3.1 Overview

Aircraft systems and parameters associated with and affecting aircraft performance are covered in this chapter. First, the fundamentals of flight deck air data instruments, for example, the airspeed indicator (ASI), Mach meter, altimeter and turn/slide‐slip indicator, are described. Next, the aircraft weight and centre‐of‐gravity issues are covered. Performance compromises because of environmental and stealth considerations are covered. Aircraft manoeuvres are carried out by controls, and these are explained.

3.2 Introduction

This chapter covers a wide range of topics, for example, aircraft velocities, air data measuring instruments, aircraft systems, and parameters associated with aircraft performance. It benefits aircraft performance engineers to be conversant with these topics.

Aircraft performance engineers deal with those parameters that comprise air data, displayed on the flight deck for the pilots to fly the aircraft safely and as required. Aircraft speed and altitude are the most important parameters that engineers and pilots have to deal with, along with many other parameters such as aircraft attitude, turn rates, vertical speeds, and so on, and the propulsion (engine) data. An understanding of how aircraft velocity and altitude are obtained is gained in the chapter. It explains the fundamentals of the ASI, Mach meter, altimeter and turn/sideslip indicators.

Flight deck pilot display instruments ...