Maneuver Performance Comparison Between the XV‐15 and an Advanced Tiltrotor Design

This paper presents the maneuver performance, rotor and airframe aerodynamic capabilities, and rotor maneuvering loads as measured during the XV‐15 flight test program. Correlation is shown with analysis to establish the basis for maneuver capability predictions of tiltrotor variants. An advanced tiltrotor design is presented which demonstrates agility and maneuverability for air‐to‐air combat and gunship‐type missions. The new design, which is called the Super XV‐15, applies advanced aerodynamic and structural technology which is being used on the V‐22 Osprey. The XV‐15 and Super XV‐15 are compared an the basis of aerodynamic capability, control response, rotor loads, acceleration and deceleration capability, and maximum rate of climb.