V-22 Osprey– uncharted flight test territory

Trevor E Strand, V-22 Developmental Test Team, Department of the Navy, Patuxent River NAS, MD, USA
Martin Shubert, Bell Helicopter Textron, Patuxent River NAS, MD, USA
Steve Grohsmeyer, Boeing, Patuxent River NAS, MD, USA

Abstract

The V-22 Osprey Flight Test Team has been expanding the envelope and defining the limits since 1989. This unique aircraft has one of the largest operating envelopes of any aircraft in history. The operating envelope goes well beyond the ability to hover as a helicopter and fly at 275 knots as an airplane. The test team has defined the limits for a large number of military capabilities that are unique to both fixed wing and rotary wing aviation. The combination of all these challenges has made envelope expansion of the V-22 one of the most challenging flight test programs in aviation history.

This paper discusses some of the V-22 Test Team’s most valuable lessons learned and best practices through selected examples. While not comprehensive with respect to our most important lessons learned, it is illustrative of our methodology. Our best practices involve the use of simulation and prediction to improve test methodology. Using prediction tools and closely comparing flight test results provides a metric for safe test progression. A safe test requires that the test team compromises between competing limits and understands the variables that are the most critical. Expected results are critical to indentifying problems early, and preventing mishaps. Specific examples from V-22 Flight Test will illustrate why these practices are so important.