PART IV
FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS
Chapter 11 - Flight Characteristics
A1-F18EA-NFM-000
59 (Reverse Blank) ORIGINAL
CHAPTER 11
Flight Characteristics
11.1 HANDLING QUALITIES.
The F/A-18E/F flight control system (FCS) is designed to present handling qualities that provide
virtually carefree maneuvering of the aircraft throughout most of the flight envelope. As such, there are
some flight characteristics which are somewhat unique to the F/A-18E/F airplane. A thorough
understanding of these flight characteristics along with the details of the flight control system
described in Chapter 2 and the operating limitations detailed in Chapter 4, allows the pilot to safely
and effectively exploit the full capabilities of the airplane.
11.1.1 Flight Control Mode Effects on Handling Qualities. Handling qualities are dependent on
which mode the flight control system is operating. FCS mode is determined primarily by the FLAP
switch position: power approach (PA) mode with the FLAP switch in HALF or FULL or up/auto (UA)
mode with the FLAP switch in AUTO. However, if airspeed is above approximately 240 KCAS, the
flight controls switches to, or remains in, UA mode regardless of FLAP switch position. FCS control
laws are also designed to minimize transients when switching flight control modes.
11.1.2 Handling Qualities with Flaps HALF or FULL. The FCS employs full-time AOA and pitch rate
feedback with flaps HALF or FULL. Therefore, longitudinal trim is required to maintain constant
AOA and/or airspeed. Once trimmed to an AOA, the aircraft tends to remain at that AOA until
changed by longitudinal stick or trim. The stick force gradient with AOA is constant up to 12° AOA
and does not vary with aircraft gross weight or center of gravity. Above 12° AOA, increased AOA
feedback increases stick forces as an artificial stall warning cue. Handling qualities are excellent up to
the 14° AOA limit. Maximum AOA at full aft stick with flaps HALF or FULL is approximately 25°
AOA. However, due to degraded handling qualities and departure resistance above 15° AOA,
particularly with abrupt inputs, flight at greater than 14° AOA with flaps HALF or FULL is
prohibited.
The FCS provides good lateral directional control of the aircraft. The Rolling Surface to Rudder
Interconnect (RSRI) function along with sideslip and sideslip rate feedback are used to coordinate
lateral inputs, reducing pilot workload by allowing feet-on-floor maneuvering for most situations.
11.1.2.1 Stalls with Flaps HALF or FULL. The aircraft does not exhibit a classic stall break with flaps
HALF or FULL and both configurations are very departure resistant up to the 14° AOA limit for
normal two-engine operation, even with symmetric and asymmetric store loadings (see Single Engine
Operation). Roll and yaw control remain positive up to the 14° AOA limit in either flap setting but is
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