Navy and the HARV: High Angle of Attack Tactical Utility Issues

: The U.S. Navy has conducted a limited flight test evaluation of the F/A-18 HARV, the purpose of which was to provide in-flight validation of extensive ground-based simulation, assessment of overall handling qualities at high angle of attack (AOA), and determination of tactical utility benefits generated from the aircraft's thrust vectoring system. This evaluation was part of a joint NASA/Navy study which was initiated to quantify high AOA control power requirements under the NASA High Angle of Attack Technology Program (HATP) . Currently, flying qualities specifications define control power requirements qualitatively. As tactical aircraft continue to push the envelope in terms of high AOA maneuverability, control power becomes an increasingly important design driver. This presentation will present results from the latest Navy evaluation of the HARV (March 1994) and focus primarily on the impressions from a piloting standpoint of the tactical utility of thrust vectoring. Issues to be addressed will be mission suitability of high AOA flight, visual and motion feedback cues associated with operating at high AOA, and the adaptability of a pilot to effectively use the increased control power provided by the thrust vectoring system