KEEP EAGLE F-15E HIGH ANGLE-OF-ATTACK FLIGHT TEST PROGRAM

The KEEP EAGLE night test program was conducted from August 1994 until August 1995 at Edwards Air Force Base by a combined government/contra ctor test team to evaluate improvements to F-15E high angle-of-attack and spin recovery characteristics. This paper traces the program from its inception in 1992 until its conclusion in 1995, with emphasis on t he test approach and flight test techniques employed for this high-ris k program, Specifically, the test approach included novel assessments of spin recovery control power early in the night test program using c ontrolled buildups in yaw rate. The program also used simulation effec tively to improve test efficiency and maintain test team proficiency w ith normal and emergency procedures. These techniques allowed a relati vely aggressive night test program without compromising safety. A tota l of 18 different aircraft configurations were successfully tested, wi th 146 developed spins completed throughout the course of 81 program f lights.