Some time ago, I came across a GIF of a Russian military airplane doing a Kulbit manoeuvre (Probably for showoff). How, in terms of control surface movement, does an airplane to the Kulbit?
Source: Reddit
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asked Apr 30, 2016 at 14:33
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2$\begingroup$ Thrust vectoring probably had a significant role to play. $\endgroup$– Ron BeyerApr 30, 2016 at 16:17
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$\begingroup$ @mins Readward salto $\endgroup$– SMS von der TannApr 30, 2016 at 18:22
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$\begingroup$ @mins It looks like the Kulbit so I will say that it is. $\endgroup$– SMS von der TannApr 30, 2016 at 19:38
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$\begingroup$ after seeing the video, I agree with Ron, without TV is not doable. $\endgroup$– FedericoApr 30, 2016 at 19:57
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2$\begingroup$ Upon seeing that clip, I can't help but recall this famous line: "Son, your ego is writing checks your body can't cash." $\endgroup$– End Anti-Semitic HateApr 30, 2016 at 23:57
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1 Answer
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The Kulbit maneuver is a variation on the Cobra maneuver (Pugachev's Cobra) with a higher pitch rate and continuous positive pitch rate throughout the maneuver. It requires two things:
- A docile pitch behavior of the airframe over the full angle of attack range of 360°. Docile means that the pitch moments stay low and do not change abruptly with the angle of attack.
- Thrust vectoring nozzles to keep the pitch rate up.
An electronic flight system is helpful to make execution easier, but is not strictly required. Also helpful is an engine-intake-combination which does not stall the compressor if the outer flow is reversed briefly. As you can see, the control surfaces only play a minor role - they are only important initially to start the pitch-up motion. This is done by negative elevator and/or positive canard deflection.
answered Apr 30, 2016 at 20:14