Engineering Flight Test AH-1G Helicopter (Hueycobra). Phase D (airworthiness and Flight Characteristics). Part 2. Performance.

Abstract : This addendum to the performance report presents the results of turning performance, in-ground-effect (IGE) level acceleration and deceleration performance and dive recovery tests. These three tests were conducted to validate portions of the AH-1G operator's manual (TM 55-1520-221-10) and enhance the knowledte of interested government agencies as to the limitations and capabilities of the AH-1G helicopter. Three major limitations were encountered during testing that restricted the pilot from achieving maximum performance: level acceleration and deceleration performance IGE is limited by extreme pitch attitudes; level deceleration performance is limited by the pilot's ability to maintain rotor speed below the maximum limit (339 rpm); the cyclic control feedback limits aircraft turning and dive recovery performance at heavy gross weight and/or when high load factors are encountered.