F/A-18 single engine minimum control airspeed ((Vmc))

Single engine minimum control airspeed (Vmc) is the lowest airspeed at which control of the aircraft is possible with the critical engine failed. Dynamic Vmc is the airspeed below which recovery controls do not arrest increasing angles of bank (AOB) or angles of side slip (AOSS) for a sudden engine failure. “Classical” Vmc testing focused primarily upon airspeed effects, assuming the aerodynamic characteristics remained constant throughout the test angle of attack (AOA) range. Focusing on the catapult launch environment led to the development of a new flight test technique (which holds AOA constant) during the F/A-18E/F demonstration program. Flight test solutions resulted in modified catapult launch procedures, aircraft trim settings, and aircraft launch bulletins. These Vmc test results and solutions plus continual fleet training and awareness will contribute to safer flight operations aboard aircraft carriers. This paper discusses the relevance of Vmc to the catapult launch environment, past and present flight test approaches, current test method, test technique, test results and conclusions