Engineering Commons^™

A Kinematical Investigation Of Some External Wind Tunnel Force Measurement Systems, Gary A. Peterson

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

A discussion on the fundamental concepts associated with wind tunnel forces measurement systems (balances) is presented. Detailed static analyses are performed on the six component pyramidal, six component floating beam, and three component strain gaged strut balances. These static analyses lead to a dimensional uncertainty investigation of the pyramidal and strain gaged strut balances. The critical dimensions for the pyramidal balance are found to be the lengths of the pyramidal links, like platform half-width, and the model attachment strut. No single dimension on the strain gaged strut is more critical than the others.

A new method for the classification of …

The Development Of Speech Research Tools On Mit's Lisp Machine-Based Workstations, D. Scott Cyphers, Robert H. Kassel, David H. Kaufman, Hong C. Leung, Mark A. Randolph, Stephanie Seneff, John E. Unverferth Iii, Timothy Wilson, Victor W. Zue

Publications

In recent years, a number of useful speech- and language-related research tools have been under development at MIT. These tools are aids for efficiently analyzing the acoustic characteristics of speech and the phonological properties of a language. They are playing a valuable role in our own research, as well as in research conducted elsewhere. This paper describes several of the systems being developed for use on our Lisp Machine workstations.

What Is An Airlifter?, Tim Brady

Publications

This article describes the components that make up the Tactical Air Command flight crew, from loadmaster, to flight engineer, to navigator, to copilot, and lastly, to pilot. All together, the crew work in coordination to deliver the goods or the troops. This article was Dr. Brady's last as editor of TAC Attack. Under his two-year leadership, the safety message continued to be heard.

Between Pyosis And Pyralidan, Tim Brady

Publications

Some history of the military air base, Pyote (Texas), and its mission after World War II to store and preserve surplus military aircraft. Two famous airplanes were stored there: the Enola Gay, the B-29 used to drop the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, and the Swoose, the sole surviving B-17D from the Pacific theater during World War II. Both aircraft are now housed at the Smithsonian.

The Spin--An Accident Analysis, Tim Brady

Publications

An analysis of an accident involving a C-130 Hercules is described. C-130s do spin and the outcome is normally fatal to aircrew members.

The Alligators Will Get You, If You Don't Watch Out!, Tim Brady

Publications

This article relates which tools can help pilots prepare to land at unknown airports.

Wheels Are Square, Tim Brady

Publications

This article discusses the possibilities to extend battlefield support using aircraft equipped with air cushion landing systems (ACLS). The ACLS are less costly than traditional landing systems but provide some new flying skills, like how to move the aircraft after the air cushion has been deflated.

Gear-Up Landings, Or...Let It All Hang Out, Tim Brady

Publications

Gear-up landings, or belly landings, continue to plague civilian, military and commercial aviation. A study has begun on a new effective device to warn pilots if the landing gear is not deployed correctly before landing.

On A Wing And A Strap, Tim Brady

Publications

In 1958, as part of Operation Jingle Bells, a Hercules C-130, ferrying cargo and personnel to the United States from the Far East, encountered weather and abbreviated their flight into Langley. Little Rock Air Force Base was chosen as the alternative landing site. Getting the C-130 down onto the ground proved to be challenging when the controls for the trim system did not operate correctly. Through sweat and ingenuity, the crew got the bird landed and the personnel in the back applauded their efforts. The personnel and cargo were used as ballast to change the center of gravity. After that …

The Four Horsemen, Tim Brady

Publications

From 1956 until 1960, the Air Force's Tactical Air Command (TAC) fielded a team of four C-130 Hercules pilots to perform as an aerial demonstration team. The shows thrilled audiences around the United States and the pilots, known as the Four Horsemen, showed the power and maneuverability of the huge airlifters also known as troop carriers. The aircraft used in the demonstrations were taken from the inventory of whatever air base was closest to the show.

The Airlift Instructor School, Tim Brady

Publications

The development of the Airlift Instructor School at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, is discussed. This article details the school's philosophy, programs and courses. Standardization in training means a better safety posture.

World War I And Beyond, Tim Brady

Publications

Traces the beginnings of military aircraft in the United States, from the Wright Brothers in 1907 to the expansion of the U.S. Air Corps in 1938.

The 'Can Do' Attitude, Tim Brady

Publications

Having the Can Do Attitude is essential to be efficient. If one is efficient, then one is thinking of safety, which is the goal of the U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Command.

Talar: What Is It?, Tim Brady

Publications

A discussion of the origin of TALAR (Tactical Landing and Approach Radar) and its uses. Also known as Tactical Precision Approach System.

Call Signs, Tim Brady

Publications

A discussion about the origin of voice call signs and aircraft call signs.

The Longest Flight, Tim Brady

Publications

Recounts the last leg of a ferry mission in a C-7 from Southeast Asia to Okinawa where the aircraft experienced serious malfunctions. Rescue accomplished just short of destination with very minor injuries to flight crew after ditching.

The C-130 Fin Stall Phenomenon, Tim Brady

Publications

The C-130 Hercules airplane is known for its idiosyncrasies related to the large sideslip angles. Precise pilot reactions are needed to control the ship when this situation arises.

Bio What?, Tim Brady

Publications

A study is made of biorhythm charts and aircraft accidents at TAC. In one 3-year span, 1969-1972, covering 59 accidents, 13 of those accidents occurred on a "critical biorhythmic day" and 40% of the total accidents happened when at least one of the pilots involved had two or more biorhythmic cycles in the minus portion. All accidents are preventable and all people are accident preventers. Understanding why accidents happen and that they are sometimes caused by human error is one area that needs continued study to determine how to reduce accidents.

Another Look At Hydroplaning, Tim Brady

Publications

This article examines the factors contributing to the hydroplaning of aircraft tires on airport runways: ground speed, tire pressure, and water depth vs. tire tread depth. Aircraft weight does not bear any affect on aircraft tire hydroplaning.

The Professionals, Tim Brady

Publications

The professional pilot is able to handle many critical situations with calmness, split-second decision-making skills, and knowledge of aircraft capabilities, all the while depending on team support.

The Lure Of Home, Tim Brady

Publications

This article recounts an aircraft accident that could have been avoided. The pilot ignored flight manual warnings to not fly in icing conditions. The pilot disregarded all advice to stay on the ground but he was anxious to get home and celebrate an occasion with his family. All lives lost on the flight.

Holidays From Danger, Tim Brady

Publications

A reminder to be safe during holidays to prevent fires, avoid personal injury, and stay off the roads after drinking.

On Target, Tim Brady

Publications

An examination of aircraft accidents in the military while training for weapons delivery maneuvers.

Midair! Midair!, Tim Brady

Publications

A review of a midair collision involving a civilian aircraft and a military aircraft. Careful adherence to the see and avoid principle is advised for all aircraft.

How About A System?, Tim Brady

Publications

A checklist for air safety is discussed. A lengthy process, but necessary for air safety.