By
Andrew Stackpool
 |
|
Test
pilot SQNLDR Mick Wiggins with the Wedgetail he has been
flying. The aircraft is due to be accepted for operation
by the Air Force in 2006.
|
TEST
pilot Squadron Leader Mick Wiggins has performed some very precise
flying on the Wedgetail AEW&C and likes what he sees.
SQNLDR Wiggins, currently based in Seattle in the US where the
Air Force’s first AEW&C is undergoing flight tests, said the
tests included the performance during cruise, climb and descent
from two knots above flap/gear up stall speed to the maximum
operating speed of 340 knots.
“Other tests used the same envelope, but with one engine shut
down, and then with the landing gear and flaps down. I had to
fly the aircraft to very precise limits [to within 20 feet and
one knot] for up to eight minutes at a time, while a sideslip
test required flying on a constant heading, at a constant altitude
and airspeed for up to two minutes while holding in various amounts
of rudder pedal up to maximum rudder pedal displacement.”
His verdict? “It is an absolute pleasure to fly,” SQNLDR Wiggins
said. “The handling qualities make it easy to control and responsive.
As the aircraft approaches its limits, it provides good feedback
to the pilots to ensure safe operation.
Also, the cockpit has large digital displays and integrated automation,
making it easy for a two-pilot crew to operate the aircraft and
manage the onboard systems in all conditions.”
RAAF pilots will not assume both seats on the flight deck until
the aircraft is accepted and operated by the Air Force in 2006.
Meanwhile, several experienced fighter controllers will participate
in developmental flight-testing at mission system consoles on
the second aircraft from May 2005.
The flights SQNLDR Wiggins has been involved in were conducted
in remote training areas. “There are three large areas over the
ocean that stretch from the Canadian border to the Californian/Oregon
border,” he said.
“For some tests, we fly as far east as central Montana.
“We want the Wedgetail to fly the same as a standard B737-700
and we are on track to achieving this. We will definitely be
setting some new records for total airborne time and distance
travelled for a 737 in the not-too-distant future. “Overall, the
testing we are doing is both challenging and fun. We are defining the operating envelope and testing beyond it to ensure it
is safe. This type of flying is very rewarding for a test pilot
and a rare opportunity for Air Force to be involved so early in
the process and to such an extent.”
His first flight was emotional: 90 per cent excitement and 10
per cent nervousness.
“The 10 per cent was a mix of professional respect for the nature
of the flying we were doing – experimental test flights can
never be taken lightly – [and] ... wanting to represent the project,
the Air Force and the Commonwealth as best I could. I am flying
with some of the world’s most experienced test pilots.
“Each day and each flight brings new challenges and more to learn.
I am enjoying every moment of it.”
