Suggested Citation:
Sarigul-Klijn, Nesrin, Pascal Nespeca, T. Marchelli, Marti M. Sarigul-Klijn (2008) An Approach to Predict Flight Dynamics and Stability Derivatives of Distressed Aircraft. Proceedings of the AIAA Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Conference and Exhibit

This paper presents an approach to predict the flight dynamics and stability derivatives of a structurally damaged transport category subsonic aircraft based on a spanwise full loss damage model. Stability derivatives are derived using basic principles and theoretical aerodynamics, resulting equations are tabulated for a distressed aircraft due to wing damage. We determined two new stability derivatives based on our theoretical derivations using a wing damaged aircraft model. Our new approach and the stability derivatives derived should prove useful in the evaluation of damaged aircraft systems as well as in development of flight simulations. A case study conducted includes prediction of changes in stability derivatives and coefficients with damage parameter using a digital C-17 Globemaster aircraft model. The newly derived damaged aircraft stability derivatives are validated using C-5 Galaxy aircraft flight test data available. Results show excellent correlation.