Aerodynamic aspects of aircraft dynamics at high angles of attack

Introduction T achieve tactical superiority in the air, a fighter aircraft must be capable of high-performance maneuvers. To perform such maneuvers, the aircraft must be able to carry out controlled flight at high angles of attack. To safely predict and analyze such flight conditions, our understanding of the aerodynamics of aircraft at high angles of attack (high a) may require further improvements. In the context of this review, the aerodynamic phenomena at high a. will be discussed mainly from the point of view of their impact on stability parameters of an aircraft. Adequate knowledge of these parameters is required for the prediction of an aircraft's behavior before departure, for the description of its departure/spin-resistance characteristics, and for the difficult analysis of the flight range between the departure and the fully developed spin, if such an analysis is required. Stability parameters are needed also for the assessment of the tracking capabilities of an aircraft, for the efficient design of the control system, and for the evaluation of the range of maneuvers that can safely be induced by the pilot. Such maneuvers at high angles of attack are not only relevant in situations involving air combat and missile avoidance actions, but may also be necessary during certain phases of the landing approach.