Fundamentals and similarity transformations of vectored aircraft

Fundamental concepts and new similarity transformations for emulating rapidly rotating-translating, poststall (PST), thrust vectoring flight controlled (TVFC) aircraft are defined and employed to design scaled-model flight tests aimed at proof of concept, maximization of agility during PST supermaneuvers, and the estimation of g loads on the pilot during such maneuvers. Deficiencies vs compromises regarding drop and powered model methodologies are defined, and a basic rule regarding maximization of jet-deflection rates is formulated. The new similarity laws are combined with standard agility comparison maneuvers (SACOM) conducted with powered, PST, TVFC F-15, F-16, and F-22 models. The new SACOM methodology helps define safe vs forbidden pilot-airframe, space-time domains that infer far-reaching safety vs combat-agility consequences for future fighters, including tailless vectored designs.