PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Jaguar handling
Thread: Jaguar handling
View Single Post
Old 12th Jun 2007, 11:57
  #2 (permalink)  
Jaguar Pilot
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Bournemouth
Age: 77
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
One aerodynamic deficiency of the Jaguar was weak directional stablity at high incidence. It was basically underfinned. Compare with the Tornado (Norfolk Shark).

The incidence limits had to be respected at all times. With heavy centreline stores the roll centre was lowered and the aeroplane was limited to 14 alpha instead of the usual 17.

High roll rates at high incidence could induce inertial roll-yaw coupling (but then again the Lightning would do this).

As the 38 Group Jaguar display pilot, I aways flew it with all pylons removed (to reduce the drag index) except the wing outboards. These were aft of the centre of gravity and slightly improved the directional stability. This was of greater importance than the small drag penalty.

Dynamic pressure availabilty was vital. I slow-rolled it at 500ft agl, but never below 400KIAS.

Sadly there were many accidents and fatalities due to mis-handling. Stick with the rule book and it was a rewarding aeroplane.

JP
Jaguar Pilot is offline