E-2C Hawkeye Wind Tunnel
Testing
The airplane is in service which indicates that a test to
develop data for simulation is the most likely test to run.
However, based upon the following,
some form of development testing is indicated:
Multiple warnings in NATOPS
concerning:
• Flying Qualities
• Structural Limitations
In addition, the airplane
has other problems:
• Poor flaps down stall speeds
• Less than optimal climb performance
• Excess drag in the search (flaps 10) configuration
• Wing fatigue life concerns
• Vibration
Determine Test Requirements
to Solve
E-2C Deficiencies
List Deficiencies and Associated Flight Conditions.
1. If the problems exist in the low alpha or beta range
at low power or power-off, Reynolds number (RN) effects
will not be important. A power off test will be useful
for these cases. A large scale model is not required.
2. If the problem only occurs at alpha or beta values
large enough to cause separation, testing at higher Reynolds
number or with a configuration that simulates higher Reynolds
number is beneficial.
3. Power on testing is useful if the first two problem
areas have been addressed.
Our conclusion is that almost all E-2C aerodynamic
problems begin at low alpha, beta values.
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