Take - off Tests on a Transport Aircraft Including the use of a ' SCAT ' Take - off Director

A large number of takeoff tests have been made on a Comet aircraft with the object of (a) acquiring comprehensive data on undirected takeoffs ; (b) testing a SCAT takeoff director. SCAT is explained in detail and the aircraft installation and test method described. Tests to determine ground effect on lift and on the SCAT Lift Transducer are also described. Undirected and directed takeoffs are compared using statistical techniques and the performance of the director under abnormal conditions is discussed. The tests have confirmed that the variability of undirected takeoffs is such that an improved pilot aid is needed. The comparison between undirected and SCAT directed takeoffs indicates that, although this director did not significantly improve variability, pilot's work load was considerably reduced, especially under abnormal flight conditions. A simple technique has been developed for filming the pilot's eye movements to analyse his scan of the instrument panel and some results are discussed.