Evaluation of the Snow S-2C Agricultural Aircraft

You are here: Homepage > Search

Evaluation of the Snow S-2C Agricultural Aircraft

M. R. Smith / J. D. Patrick

The aircraft was evaluated in three configurations: (1) clean or basic aircraft, (2) aircraft with spray dispersal equipment attached, and (3) aircraft with solid material distributor attached. Level flight, power required tests and climb performance tests indicate that the dispersal systems greatly reduce the economy and safety of the aircraft in agricultural operations. The results indicate that the efficiency of the dispersal systems must be increased before improvement in the aerodynamic design of the basic aircraft will significantly increase the economy and safety. A qualitative assessment of the stability and control characteristics of the Snow S-2C reveals adequate stability in all modes throughout the aircraft speed range, and the in-flight handling characteristics are very good. The control forces are light and effective down to 10 to 15 miles per hour above stall speed, at which point the aileron control power begins to diminish. Aerodynamic stall warning was considered adequate and stall characteristics were mild in the loaded configuration. Climbing turn stalls in the 4500-pound configuration resulted in abrupt stalls which were accompanied by high rates of roll. Chemical distribution tests were run to determine the distribution characteristics of the solid material distributor. (Author)