The suitability of the T-45A Goshawk as a fleet out-of-control flight and spin trainer

This project evaluated the T-45A Goshawk airplane for its potential use as an out-of-control flight and spin trainer. This project was a United States Department of Defense sponsored project. The project utilized assets provided to McDonnell Douglas Aerospace by the Department of the Navy, Naval Air Systems Command. The process for conducting high angle-of-attack flight testing used a methodology of controlled buildup. The test program was segmented into four distinct phases. The first was flying qualities evaluations up to airplane stall. The second phase was bank-to-bank rolls building up to full longitudinal, lateral and directional control inputs. Third, was sustained aggravated longitudinal, lateral and directional control inputs. The last phase involved spin entry and recovery demonstrations. The T-45A Goshawk is not a suitable replacement as an out-of-control and spin training airplane. Upright spins do not stabilize and the undesirable propensity to transition into inverted spins does not allow for detailed spin mode demonstration. Inverted spins do display stabilized spins, but the transitory nature between three separate inverted spin modes and the exactness required for spin recovery make it impractical for spin demonstrations. It is recommended that consideration be given to installing a powered rudder in the T-45A airplane to preclude rudder lock out and assist in inverted spin recovery.