STABILITY AND CONTROL AND PERFORMANCE TEST (PHASE D) ON THE CV-7A TRANSPORT AIRPLANE

An engineering flight evaluation of the CV-7A (Buffalo) Transport Airplane, was conducted by USAAVNTA. The objective was to conduct those engineering tests required to complete the necessary engineering flight test program for an Army transport airplane. The STOL characteristics were emphasized during this evaluation. Sixty-five productive hours were flown. The CV-7A met all the essential performance requirements of the QMR and performance guarantees of the Model Specification that could be evaluated as a result of the limited performance tests conducted. The CV-7A presented a considerable performance improvement over the CV-2B in terms of payload while maintaining a similar STOL capability. The stability and control characteristics of the CV-7A were considerably improved over those of the CV-2B although the STOL landing handling qualities were marginal. These should be improved to take full advantage of the performance capabilities of the airplane. STOL takeoff distances were found to be shorter and STOL landing distances were slightly longer than those presented in the Operator's Manual. A considerable increase in STOL takeoff performance was achieved by loading the airplane to an aft center of gravity. Correction of two shortcomings revealed in this evaluation would result in a STOL airplane of improved capability.