Flying qualities and performance evaluation of the TA-7C airplane

Poor serviceability of rapidly aging TA-4J airplanes currently in service with overseas U.S. Navy base defense squadrons has prompted a search for a capable low cost replacement. Limited scope testing was conducted on the TA-7C airplane to evaluate its potential as a replacement aircraft for the base defense mission. Tests were completed during ground evaluations totaling 2.3 hrs and four test flights totaling 6.0 hrs. Flying qualities and performance testing was conducted on production representative airplanes based upon typical mission utilization. Flight testing revealed poor sustained turning performance which will not allow effective jinking against anti-aircraft artillery. Poor instantaneous turning performance will not allow effective execution of a defensive turn against missiles. These two major deficiencies will result in probable loss of aircraft and should be corrected prior to operational deployment. Flight testing also revealed several deficiencies which should be corrected as soon as practicable if found economically feasible. The TA-7C demonstrated excellent potential for the base defense mission, and will be satisfactory upon correction of the major deficiencies. A replacement engine and incorporation of a leading edge extension to the wing are among the numerous airframe modifications recommended to correct the deficiencies discovered during the evaluation. Where practical, predictions of improved performance are estimated.