NASA-TN-D-36

Abstract

Airspeed, altitude, and acceleration data obtained with an NASA (formerly NACA) VGH recorder installed in a four-engine turboprop transport operating over the Eastern United States were evaluated to determine the magnitude and frequency of occurrence of gust velocities and gust and maneuver accelerations. The results obtained were then compared with the results previously obtained from two long-haul operations utilizing transports equipped with four piston-type engines and flown over essentially similar routes. <br>The gust and gust-load experiences for the turboprop operation were essentially similar to those for the piston-engine operations. In addition, the results indicated that maneuver-acceleration histories for the turboprop operation were similar to those for piston-engine operations previously sampled. The turboprop transport was flown during cruise conditions at a higher percentage of its design cruising speed than were the piston-engine transports.