MARINE AIRCRAFT EXPERIMENTAL ESTABLISHMENT
Saunders-Roe Princess Flying Boat G-ALVN
Air and Water Handling Tests
SUMMARY
The basic aerodynamic and hydrodynamic handling characteristics of the aircraft are satisfactory over the range of all operating conditions tested.
On the water, the aircraft is adequately stable on take-off and landing. The tests were made at weights between 225,000 lb and 315,000 lb, with C.G. positions between 29 per cent and 33 per cent S.M.C.
At the high weight in relatively rough water, fine spray entered the inboard propeller discs during the initial take-off run, causing slight bending of the tips. A stiffened propeller designed to overcome this trouble was fitted, but the flight trials programme was curtailed before tests could be made in adverse weather conditions. The spray characteristics, however, are considered to be satisfactory for both take-off and landing - the spray behaviour compares favourably with previous flying boats.
Under choppy conditions, slight hull pounding has been encountered. There was insufficient evidence to determine the conditions under which this would occur.
The limiting aft C.G. position is about 35 per cent S.M.C., this position being dictated by the high power, low airspeed conditions immediately after unstick. In high altitude cruising flight the aft C.G. Limit is approximately 40 per cent S.M.C.
The aircraft is adequately controllable under asymmetric power conditions down to the stall, and the stalling behaviour is relatively good, there being adequate stall warning.
The existing simulated feel characteristics and control to control surface ratios require modifications in order to improve the feel of positive stability.
Greater flexibility of engine and propeller operating conditions on the water is desirable in order to improve the manoeuvring characteristics.