Convair NC-131H Samaritan

NC-131H Samaritan
Convair NC-131H at the Airpark section of the National Museum of the United States Air Force
Role	In-Flight Simulator
Manufacturer	Convair
First flight	1970
Introduction	1971
Retired	2008
Status	Retired, on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force
Primary user	United States Air Force
Produced	Late 1960s
Number built	1
Developed from	Convair C-131 Samaritan

The Convair NC-131H Samaritan, also known as the Total In-Flight Simulator, was originally a C-131B aircraft that underwent extensive conversion by the United States Air Force in the late 1960s. It was transformed into an in-flight simulator specifically developed to study aircraft handling characteristics. The NC-131H made its maiden flight in 1970.

NC-131 showing off its elongated nose for simulation

Design and simulation

The TIFS first flew in 1970, and its first research project simulated the B-1 bomber's flying characteristics. During its long and successful career, the TIFS simulated many military and NASA aircraft, including the Boeing X-40, Northrop Tacit Blue, Space Shuttle, Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, Northrop YF-23 and Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. Civilian aircraft development projects included the Boeing SST, McDonnell Douglas MD-12 and IPTN N-250.

Engineers found the TIFS especially useful for studying how large aircraft would handle during takeoff and landing. Throughout its 40 year history, the Total In-Flight Simulator NC-131H has been continually modernized. Since its retirement, it is still a capable IFS aircraft .

Originally, a United States Air Force C-131B transport aircraft, it was then modified into the NC-131B Control Configured Vehicle, a variable stability aircraft with NASA. It was re-engined and redesigned as an NC-131H for the USAF Research Labs (AFRL). The "N" was to indicate that the aircraft had been permanently modified, as this airplane underwent extensive modifications. With its spacious cabin and replaceable nose, TIFS is a cost effective test-bed aircraft, especially for programs with large equipment needs. The TIFS simulation cockpit is separate and completely independent. Ample space and modular design supports installation of all required controls and displays.

During the Martin Marietta Smart Weapons Program, TIFS was modified to replicate an intelligent cruise missile.

The original piston engines were replaced by turboprop engines with nearly twice the horsepower, but the most noticeable modifications added the second cockpit on the nose and the vertical fins on the wings. The vertical fins on the wings generated side forces to simulate crosswinds and provided test data. It was owned by the Flight Dynamics Laboratory (FDL), but operated and maintained by The Calspan Corporation (originally Cornell Aeronautical Labs).

The computers onboard TIFS are easily programmed and allow rapid turnaround and system changes. This makes hosting and checkout of customer software very efficient. Since the simulation is not critical to safety of flight, quick changes can be made without extensive verification and validation. Onboard flight test engineers can reprogram the system in flight if necessary.

Circa 1995, photographer: USAF photo

Specifications

Data from United States Military Aircraft since 1909 (Note specs might not be 100% accurate they are educated guesses)

General characteristics

• Crew: 5
• Length: 85 ft 0 in (25.908 m)
• Wingspan: 106 ft 0 in (32.3 m)
• Height: 28 ft 0 in (8.59 m)
• Wing area: 920 sq ft (85.5 m²)
• Empty weight: 57,000 lb (25,855 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 135,000 lb (61,235 kg)
• Powerplant: 2 × 4,368 hp Allison 501-D22G Turboprop engine, 4,368 hp (3212.659 kW) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 570 mph (917 km/h, 500 kn)
• Range: 1,610 mi (2,590 km, 1,400 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 40,000 ft (12,192 m)
• Rate of climb: 4,500 ft/min (22.9 m/s)