An overview of some aspects of Combat Aircraft Spin

The report presents an overview of various aspects of spin13; primarily from the point of view of the design and development of a combat aircraft. The main objective of the review is to help the designer obtain a better appreciation of the current analysis and experimental tools for the prediction and analysis of spin/stall related problems and also highlight the several new and potentially beneficial design concepts that have evolved from recent research work conducted in this field. The review starts with a brief presentation of the fundamental aspects of spin, viz. mechanism and classification of spin, typical spin parameters, recovery and other related factors. Experimental, analytical and empirical methods currently utilized to predict the spin characteristics during the design and development phases of an aircraft are briefly described. An evaluation of the capabilities and relative merits of the various techniques is included. Results of considerable amount of recent research studies aimed at enhancing the spin resistance and/or spin prevention of aircraft are critically discussed. Several new and advanced geometric features, flight control concepts and other useful design guidelines that emerge form these research studies are highlighted citing practical applications where possible. A comprehensive list of literature dealing on various aspects noted above is included.13;