The Uncontrolled Tail Spin: An American Study of the Principles, with Examinations of some Specific Types of Aeroplane

Abstract

THE complete study of the tail spin divides itself into four distinct parts: the entry into the spin, the steady spin maintained by the action of the controls, the uncontrolled spin, and the recovery from the spin. In this paper we will limit ourselves to the study of the uncontrolled tail spin, i.e., the spin which has reached the state of steady motion, and persists in it with controls neutralized, or even against controls. When we speak about steady motion, we imply that all forces and moments are in a state of complete equilibrium, and that there are no accelerations. The study of the uncontrolled spin is therefore the study of equilibrium in spin. If the proportions of an aeroplane are such as to make possible equilibrium in spin with controls set for recovery, there evidently will be no recovery, because recovery means lack of balance and resulting acceleration. In order to be safe the aeroplane must be proportioned so as to make equilibrium in tail spin impossible, unless the controls are set lor spinning.

Citation

Korvin‐Kroukovsky, B.V. (1933), "The Uncontrolled Tail Spin: An American Study of the Principles, with Examinations of some Specific Types of Aeroplane", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 5 No. 5, pp. 105-112. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb029679