A move is underway in the military services to expand the scope of the military flying qualities specification, MIL-F-8785C to include STOL flying qualities. This report is the result of review, analysis and unification of existing STOL flying qualities data in a form facilitating inclusion into the new MIL Standard and Handbook, particularly in the area where STOL aircraft differ from CTOL aircraft. The report recommends proposed requirements where sufficient data exist; the report presents discussion where data are sparse or non-existant. (Author).

This report is a proposed version of the MIL Standard and Handbook developed by Systems Technology, Inc., with the McDonnell Aircraft Co. acting in a consulting role. This report is published to elicit comments, and suggestions, for adopting or revising the material which the Government will incorporate into an official MIL Standard and Handbook. As it stands, the material is preliminary and occasionally controversial, does not in all cases represent the views of the Government or a particular government organization, and should not be used for procurement. This work does not reflect work in progress on flying qualities requirements for large airplanes, direct force controllers or STOL aircraft.

This presentation addresses current and projected applications of flying qualities criteria, rather than their research and development. We will discuss the current state of the art, its deficiencies, and needs for further work. The rationale for the new US Military Standard and Handbook on flying qualities is briefly discussed. With advanced vehicles, the scope of flying qualities is expanding, opening new areas to investigate and creating new problems. With relaxed static stability now commonly used, control margin is a prime safety consideration: control must be available for stabilization, maneuvering and recovery from any possible attitude, as well as the trim. Flying qualities aspects of agility include the need for nonlinear flying qualities metrics, and control systems that provide both rapid maneuvering and good damping for tight tracking. For all-aspect engagement, the pilot needs to be thoroughly integrated with displays, automatic flight control modes and other systems. For dynamic longitudinal flying qualities, MIL-STD-1797 presents the Control Anticipating Parameter (CAP) of an equivalent classical system as a primary criterion, but gives several alternatives in recognition of problems, and research continues. (SDW).