| Sea-Based Ballistic Missile Defense - Background and Issues for Congress |
22-Oct-2009 |
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| Authors:
Ronald O'Rourke; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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 | The eventual role of sea-based systems in the worldwide U.S. BMD architecture has not been determined. The overall issue for Congress discussed in this report is: What should be the role of sea-based systems in U.S. ballistic missile defense, and are DOD's programs for sea-based BMD capabilities appropriately structured and funded? The Aegis BMD system in its current configuration is intended to track ballistic missiles of all ranges, including intercontinental ... |
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| F-16 Ventral Fin Buffet Alleviation Using Piezoelectric Actuators |
Sep-2009 |
122 pages |
| Authors:
Joseph S Browning; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH DEPT OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS
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 | Buffet-induced vibrations can have a disastrous impact on aircraft structures. Early attempts at combating buffet vibrations included passive methods such as structural enhancements and leading edge fences. Active methods have shown greater promise, including active airflow control, control surface modulation, and active structural control using piezoelectric actuators. Surface mounted piezoelectric actuators impart directional strain reducing the negative effects associated with harmful vibration. The Block-15 F-16 ventral fin represents an aircraft ... |
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| Development of a Nonlinear 6-Degree of Freedom Miniature Rotary-Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Software Model and PID Flight Path Controller Using MathWorks Simulink Simulation Environment |
Sep-2009 |
134 pages |
| Authors:
Ricardo E Miranda; NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
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| This paper describes the development of a 6-degree of freedom (6-DOF), nonlinear, miniature rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (RW UAV) simulation environment using MathWorks Simulink simulation software. In addition to the modeling process, this research also conducts flight-path controller design using Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control. This model's development is motivated by the desire to enable a rapid prototyping platform for design and implementation of various flight control techniques with further ... |
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| The Effects of the Joint Multi-Mission Electro-Optical System on Littoral Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Operations |
Sep-2009 |
164 pages |
| Authors:
Bronchae M Brown; Brian L Schulz; NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA DEPT OF INFORMATION SCIENCES
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| The United States Department of Defense finds itself in a period of reduced resources and growing requirements. In the field of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), there have been calls for both manpower and system cuts, while collection requirements continue to increase. One proposed method for maximizing ISR collection efforts is the development of multi-mission capable collection equipment. In support of this concept, BAE Systems has developed the Joint Multi-Mission ... |
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| Fuel Savings through Aircraft Modification: A Cost Analysis |
Jun-2009 |
80 pages |
| Authors:
Ray P Matherne; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
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| The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act requires the Secretary of the Air Force to task a federally funded research and development center to conduct an engineering analysis on modifying KC-135R and KC-10 tanker aircraft with winglets and submit a report to the congressional defense committees by May 1, 2009. This research summarizes the main issues that decision makers should consider in the investment in a winglet modification program. The factors ... |
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| Wind Tunnel Analysis And Flight Test of A Wing Fence On A T-38 |
26-Mar-2009 |
267 pages |
| Authors:
Michael D Williams; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH DEPT OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS
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| A low-speed wind tunnel study and flight tests were performed to examine the effects of a wing fence on the T-38A. Wind tunnel results were based upon force and moment data collected with a six-component balance and flow visualization at Reynolds numbers up to 0.3 x 10(exp 6), based on mean aerodynamic chord. The model did not include the last 7.79 feet of the aircraft, and the engine and exhaust ... |
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| Using the Advanced Research Version of the Weather Research and Forecast Model in Support of ScanEagle Unmanned Aircraft System Test Flights |
Mar-2009 |
42 pages |
| Authors:
Robert Flanigan; Jeffrey E Passner; Robert E Jr; Dumais; Stephen Kirby; ARMY RESEARCH LAB WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE NM COMPUTATIONAL AND INFORMATION SCIENCE DIRECTORATE
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| The U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) supported unmanned aircraft flights in a specified airspace domain at Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) in November and December 2007. The Battlefield Environment Division of the Computational and Information Sciences Directorate (CISD), Army Research Laboratory (ARL), was asked to provide real-time meteorological modeling support and weather products such as low-level wind and turbulence forecasts at YPG to help determine areas and ... |
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| UAS Collision Avoidance Algorithm that Minimizes the Impact on Route Surveillance |
Mar-2009 |
213 pages |
| Authors:
Austin L Smith; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
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| A collision avoidance algorithm is developed and implemented that is applicable to different types of unmanned aerial systems ranging from a single platform with the ability to perform all collision avoidance functions independently to multiple vehicles performing functions as a cooperative group with collision avoidance commands computed at a ground station. The collision avoidance system is exercised and tested using operational hardware and platforms and is demonstrated in representative missions ... |
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| An Experiment to Evaluate Transfer of Low-Cost Simulator-Based Upset-Recovery Training |
Mar-2009 |
20 pages |
| Authors:
Albert Boquet; Cass Howell; Charles DeJohn; Rodney O Rogers; FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION WASHINGTON DC OFFICE OF AVIATION MEDICINE
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| Many air transport training programs provide simulator-based upset-recovery instruction for company pilots. However, apparently no prior research exists to demonstrate that such training transfers to an airplane in flight. We report on two-phase FAA-funded research experiment to evaluate upset-recovery training transfer. In two separate training/testing evolutions involving two different general aviation aircraft, participant pilots were trained using low-cost desktop flight simulation, then subjected to serious in-flight upsets in an aerobatic ... |
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| Evaluation of an OPNET Model for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Networks |
Mar-2009 |
105 pages |
| Authors:
Clifton M Durham; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
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| Over the last few years, there has been an explosion in the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in military operations, as well as civilian and commercial applications. UAV Mobile Ad Hoc Networks are fast becoming essential to conducting Network-Centric Warfare. As of October 2006, coalition UAVs, exclusive of hand-launched systems, had flown almost 400,000 flight hours in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. This document outlines our ... |
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| Cooperative Unmanned Aerial Surveillance Control System Architecture |
Mar-2009 |
218 pages |
| Authors:
Theodore T Diamond; Adam L Rutherford; Jonathan B Taylor; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
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| Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) is a high-demand Department of Defense mission performed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) at the tactical and theater levels. Coordinating UAS aircraft through cooperative control offers the advantages of persistence, distributed and adaptable sensor coverage, and reduced revisit time on points of interest. The purpose of this thesis is to apply systems engineering principals to the problem of developing a flexible, common control system for ... |
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| Power Distribution System for a Small Unmanned Rotorcraft |
Dec-2008 |
12 pages |
| Authors:
Brian Porter; Gary Haas; ARMY RESEARCH LAB CLEVELAND OH VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE
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| In quest of weight savings, several modifications were made to a Joker model unmanned rotorcraft. Battery power for various subsystems was consolidated in a custom box, and smaller gauge wiring was substituted for the original. The results included a 17% increase in flight time as well as logistics benefits from fewer batteries to be recharged. |
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| Defense Acquisitions: Sound Business Case Needed to Implement Missile Defense Agency's Targets Program |
01-Sep-2008 |
53 pages |
| Authors:
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE WASHINGTON DC
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| The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is likely to spend $460 million annually on missiles used as targets for flight tests. Executing these tests depends on the quality and availability of targets. Congress asked GAO to assess (1) if MDA is providing reliable targets; (2) the causes of any deficiencies; and (3) if resolutions exist for any problems identified. To do this, GAO analyzed acquisition policies and procedures; flight test data; ... |
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| Initial Calibration of an F-16B Pacer Aircraft |
Sep-2008 |
232 pages |
| Authors:
Reagan K Woolf; AIR FORCE FLIGHT TEST CENTER EDWARDS AFB CA
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| This report presents the calibration results for the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) pacer aircraft. The responsible test organization was the 412th Test Wing, Edwards AFB, California. The overall test objective was to calibrate the F-16B, USAF S/N 92-0457, pacer air data system. The specific test objectives were to (1) determine the static and total source error corrections for the pacer Pitot-static systems, and (2) determine the total air ... |
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| Performance of a Hopping Rotochute |
23-Jun-2008 |
34 pages |
| Authors:
Mark Costello; Eric Beyer; GEORGIA INST OF TECH ATLANTA SCHOOL OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
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| Future military operations will rely much more heavily on robotic systems to perform a variety of missions. Ultimately, the success of these robots lies in the basic robot configuration being properly tailored to the intended application. A new hybrid micro vehicle configuration, called a hopping rotochute has been created. The hopping rotochute configuration is optimized to operate within small interior spaces. The vehicle is propelled upward by a small rotor ... |
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| JSF: The Need for a Two-Seat Variant |
19-Feb-2008 |
17 pages |
| Authors:
W Suarez; MARINE CORPS COMMAND AND STAFF COLL QUANTICO VA
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| In the 1970's, the requirement to replace the F-4 Phantom aircraft was identified. The manufacturer's concept and design teams focused on selling the technologically advanced single-seat variant of the F/A-18. The decision makers argued, modern technology was to absorb the increased workload that was the task of the second crewman.1 After several flight tests and cost analysis studies, the Marine Corps identified the need for and purchased a dual seat ... |
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| A Joined-Wing Flight Experiment |
FEB 2008 |
213 pages |
| Authors:
Maxwell Blair; Jason Robinson; William A. McClelland; Jason C. Bowman; AIR FORCE RESEARCH LAB WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH AIR VEHICLES DIRECTORATE
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| This report summarizes several design and analysis studies surrounding the flight test of a 7% geometric scale of a notional high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) variant that targeted the AFRL SensorCraft mission. Established procedures were modified to accommodate low-cost testing with giant-scale radio-controlled technology as an approach to reduce high risk associated with new technologies, such as the joined-wing concept. The flight test vehicle reported here was rigid. The second successful flight ... |
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| Long-Range Ballistic Missile Defense in Europe |
09 JAN 2008 |
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| Authors:
Steven A. Hildreth; Carl Ek; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Successive administrations have urged the creation of an antimissile system to protect against long-range ballistic missile threats from rogue states. The Bush Administration believes that North Korea and Iran are strategic threats and questions whether they can be deterred by conventional means. The Administration has built long-range missile defense bases in Alaska and California to protect against North Korean missile threats. Although the system has been tested, most agree that ... |
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| Targeting Pod Effects on Weapons Release from F-18C Hornet |
01-Jan-2008 |
97 pages |
| Authors:
Godiksen; William H III; NAVAL ACADEMY ANNAPOLIS MD DEPT OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
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| In recent years, the capability of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to predict the trajectories of stores has greatly expanded. In this study, a CFD code developed at NASA has been used to explain an unexpected flight test result in order to assess the accuracy of CFD as applied to store separation. In December of 1998 during routine bombing practice at Fallon, NV, an F-18C released a Mark 82 JDAM bomb ... |
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| Arc Segment Attitude Reference (ASAR) Head-Up Display (HUD) Symbology as a Primary Flight Reference Test and Evaluation |
JAN 2008 |
70 pages |
| Authors:
Joseph C. Jenkins; AIR FORCE FLIGHT TEST CENTER EDWARDS AFB CA
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| This technical report presents the results of the arc segment attitude reference (ASAR) head-up display (HUD) symbology as a primary flight reference test and evaluation. Testing was requested by the Air Force Research Laboratory, Human Effectiveness Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. The responsible test organization was the 412th Test Wing, Edwards AFB, California. The test execution organization was the ASAR HUD test team from the USAF Test Pilot School located at ... |
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| Back Up Velocity Estimate Following Air Data System Failure (Project Have Vest) |
01 DEC 2007 |
59 pages |
| Authors:
Scott McLaren; Sreeram Jayashankar; William Rothermel; Corey Beaverson; Donny Powers; AIR FORCE TEST PILOT SCHOOL EDWARDS AFB CA
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| This report presents the results of Project Have VEST, a limited evaluation of a back up velocity estimate following air data system failure. This test program demonstrated the potential of the VEST algorithm to provide an airspeed estimate using aircraft last known state and flight control computer accelerations and rates. The USAF Test Pilot School (TPS), Class 07A, conducted six flight tests totaling 11.3 hours at Edwards AFB, California, from ... |
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| Use of Traffic Displays for General Aviation Approach Spacing: A Human Factors Study |
DEC 2007 |
44 pages |
| Authors:
E. Nadler; A. Yost; A. Kendra; JOHN A VOLPE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS CENTER CAMBRIDGE MA
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| A flight experiment was conducted to assess human factors issues associated with pilot use of traffic displays for approach spacing. Sixteen multi-engine rated pilots participated. Eight flew approaches in a twin-engine Piper Aztec originating in Sanford, ME, and eight flew approaches in the same aircraft originating in Atlantic City, NJ. The spacing target was a Cessna 206. The traffic display was either a Garmin International MX-20 (the "Basic" Cockpit Display ... |
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| Limited Evaluation of Handling Qualities for a Supersonic Tailless Air Vehicle (Project HAVE STAV) |
DEC 2007 |
80 pages |
| Authors:
Steven W. Speares; Nathan L. Cook; Matthew R. Domsalla; Jason B. Porter; James W. Quashnock; Brian J. Neff; TEST WING ( 412TH) EDWARDS AFB CA
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| This report presents the results of Project HAVE STAV, a limited evaluation of the handling qualities for a Supersonic Tailless Air Vehicle (STAV). This test program used the Calspan-operated Total In-Flight Simulator to test the powered approach handling qualities of a Northrop Grumman STAV model. The test team developed an optimized control system prior to flight testing. The handling qualities were determined using the STAV model coupled with either the ... |
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| Vision-Based Control of Agile, Autonomous Micro Air Vehicles and Small UAVs in Urban Environments |
DEC 2007 |
5 pages |
| Authors:
Rick Lind; Peter Ifju; Warren Dixon; Andrew Kurdila; Robert Sharpley; Takeo Kanade; FLORIDA UNIV GAINESVILLE
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| This project investigated technologies to enable autonomous flight of agile vehicles in urban environments. Specifically, technologies were developed that related to vision-based feedback for control. The mission profile under consideration was a single vehicle carrying a video camera while flying below the rooftops of a city with no additional sensors or pre-existing map information. As such, substantial progress was made in the areas of feature-point tracking, state estimation, scene reconstruction, ... |
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| Perspective on One Decade of Laser Propulsion Research at the Air Force Research Laboratory (Preprint) |
28 NOV 2007 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
C. W. Larson; AIR FORCE RESEARCH LAB EDWARDS AFB CA PROPULSION DIRECTORATE
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| The Air Force Laser Propulsion Program spanned nearly 10-years and included about 35-weeks of experimental research with the Pulsed Laser Vulnerability Test System of the High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, WSMR/HELSTF/PLVTS. PLVTS is a pulsed CO2 laser that produces up to 10 kW of power in -10 cm2 spot at wavelength of 10.6 microns. The laser is capable of a pulse repetition ... |
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| National Aeronautics and Space Administration Langley Research Center's Design Criteria for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Development |
01 NOV 2007 |
17 pages |
| Authors:
Thomas L. Jordan; Mark A. Hutchinson; Vernon E. Watkins; William M. Langford; Christopher M. Cagle; Michael J. Logan; NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMIN LANGLEY RESEARCH CENTER HAMPTON VA
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| National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center (LaRC) has a long, rich tradition of advanced aeronautics research using subscale aircraft. LaRC has developed detailed procedures and guidelines that set forth criteria for the design, analysis, quality assurance and documentation for wind-tunnel model systems to be tested at the LaRC. The criteria are intended to prevent model systems failure and/or facility damage. However, traditional wind tunnel experimental testing can ... |
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| Fixed-Wing Micro Air Vehicles with Hovering Capabilities |
01 NOV 2007 |
17 pages |
| Authors:
Boris Bataille; Damien Poinsot; Chinnapat Thipyopas; Jean-Marc Moschetta; ECOLE NATIONALE SUPERIEURE DE L'AERONAUTIQUE ET DE L'ESPACE TOULOUSE (FRANCE)
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| Fixed-wing micro air vehicles (MAV) are very attractive for outdoor surveillance missions since they generally offer better payload and endurance capabilities than rotorcraft or flapping-wing vehicles of equal size. They are generally less challenging to control than helicopter in outdoor environment. However, high wing loading associated with stringent dimension constraints requires high cruise speeds for fixed-wing MAVs and it has been difficult so far to achieve good performances at low-speed ... |
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| Technical Findings, Lessons Learned, and Recommendations Resulting from the Helios Prototype Vehicle Mishap |
01 NOV 2007 |
19 pages |
| Authors:
Thomas E. Noll; Stephen D. Ishmael; Bart Henwood; Marla E. Perez-Davis; Geary C. Tiffany; John Madura; Matthew Gaier; John M. Brown; Ted Wierzbanowski; NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMIN LANGLEY RESEARCH CENTER HAMPTON VA
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| The Helios Prototype was originally planned to be two separate vehicles, but because of resource limitations only one vehicle was developed to demonstrate two missions. One configuration, designated HP01, was designed to operate at extremely high altitudes using batteries and high-efficiency solar cells spread across the upper surface of its 247-foot wingspan. The other configuration, designated HP03, was designed for long-duration flight. The plan was to use the solar cells ... |
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| Preliminary Results of an Experiment to Evaluate Transfer of Low-Cost, Simulator-Based Airplane Upset-Recovery Training |
OCT 2007 |
24 pages |
| Authors:
Rodney O. Rogers; Albert Boquet; Cass Howell; Charles DeJohn; EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIV DAYTONA BEACH FL
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| Many air transport training programs provide simulator-based upset-recovery instruction for company pilots. However, no research exists to demonstrate that such training transfers to an airplane in flight. We report on an in-progress FAA-funded research experiment to evaluate upset-recovery training transfer. Participant pilots are trained using low-cost desktop flight simulation, then subjected to serious in-flight upsets in an aerobatic airplane. Preliminary results comparing the performance of trained and control group pilots ... |
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| Pico Satellite Solar Cell Testbed (PSSC Testbed) Design |
30 SEP 2007 |
17 pages |
| Authors:
E. J. Simburger; S. Liu; J. S. Halpine; D. A. Hinkley; D. L. Rumsey; J. Swenson; J. E. Granata; H. Yoo; AEROSPACE CORP EL SEGUNDO CA SYSTEMS PLANNING AND ENGINEERING GROUP
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| The PSSC Testbed flight experiment is designed to obtain accelerated space environment degradation data for advanced solar cells. The acceleration factor, with respect to total dose radiation for operational missions, will be obtained by flying the PSSC Testbed in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The resulting data will provide DOD and commercial users of advanced solar cells insight into the actual performance of these solar cells before they are flown ... |
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| Pico Satellite Solar Cell Testbed (PSSC Testbed) |
25 SEP 2007 |
31 pages |
| Authors:
E. J. Simburger; S. Liu; J. S. Halpine; D. A. Hinkley; D. L. Rumsey; J. E. Granata; H. Yoo; AEROSPACE CORP EL SEGUNDO CA
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| The PSSC Testbed flight experiment is designed to obtain space environment degradation data for advanced solar cells. The purpose of this particular experiment is to develop and operationally test the picosatellite and associated ground station. This picosat could be the starting point for the development of a responsive space vehicle that would provide the capability of obtaining actual space environment exposure of new solar cell technology in a time frame ... |
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| A Risk-Based Approach for Aerothermal/TPS Analysis and Testing |
01 JUL 2007 |
25 pages |
| Authors:
Michael J. Wright; Jay H. Grinstead; Deepak Bose; NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION MOFFETT FIELD CA AMES RESEARCH CENTER
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| The current status of aerothermal and thermal protection system modeling for civilian entry missions is reviewed. For most such missions, the accuracy of our simulations is limited not by the tools and processes currently employed, but rather by reducible deficiencies in the underlying physical models. Improving the accuracy of and reducing the uncertainties in these models will enable a greater understanding of the system level impacts of a particular thermal ... |
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| Rotorcraft Smoothing Via Linear Time Periodic Methods |
JUL 2007 |
312 pages |
| Authors:
Christopher S. Schulz; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
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| This research presents the development of an on line linear time periodic rotor vibration controller. The Cramer-Rao bound is developed for a linear time periodic system in order to identify the quality of identified system parameters, which are used in system models for controller development. The methods developed in this work allow model parameters can be verified for accuracy and likewise adjusted to improve controller accuracy. |
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| Flight Testing of Night Vision Systems in Rotorcraft (Test en vol de systemes de vision nocturne a bord des aeronefs a voilure tournante) |
JUL 2007 |
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| Authors:
NATO RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY ORGANIZATION NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE (FRANCE)
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| This AGARDograph presents a general summary of suggested Night Vision Goggle (NVG) testing methods and should be used as a framework for developing airborne and laboratory based experiments to evaluate equipment. The objective of this document is to provide an inventory of rules, standards, procedures, methods and means needed to test and evaluate night vision systems. In order to meet its objective, the scope of this AGARDograph is limited to ... |
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| Design of Gages for Direct Skin Friction Measurements in Complex Turbulent Flows with Shock Impingement Compensation |
07 JUN 2007 |
133 pages |
| Authors:
August J. Rolling; VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND STATE UNIV BLACKSBURG DEPT OF AEROSPACE AND OCEAN ENGINEERING
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| This research produced a new class of skin friction gages that measures wall shear even in shock environments. One test specimen separately measured wall shear and variable-pressure induced moment. Through the investigation of available computational modeling methods, techniques for accurately predicting gage physical responses were developed. The culmination of these model combinations was a design optimization procedure. This procedure was applied to three disparate test conditions: 1) short duration, high-enthalpy ... |
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| Limited Evaluation of an 802.11b Air-to-Air Wireless Data Link (Project Have HALO II) |
01 JUN 2007 |
53 pages |
| Authors:
Robert A. Volesky; Jason W. Geitgey; Jason C. Vap; Douglas O. Creviston; Morikazu Kikuchi; AIR FORCE FLIGHT TEST CENTER EDWARDS AFB CA
|
| This report presents the results of Project Have HALO II a limited evaluation of an 802.11b wireless air-to-air data link between two C-12C aircraft. This test program demonstrated the 802.11b wireless data link reception range under 1 Watt and 5 Watts of amplification, corresponding to 0.32 and 1.58 Watt effective isotropic radiated power. The test team also demonstrated the capability of transmitting still photos, streaming video, pre-recorded video and text ... |
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| F-16B Pacer Aircraft Trailing Cone Length Extension Tube Investigative Study (HAVE CLETIS) |
JUN 2007 |
91 pages |
| Authors:
Michael E. Welser; Darin L. Hoenle; Swami B. Iyer; Yeu-Fong Chua; Carrie A. Reinhardt; Andrew J. Jutte; AIR FORCE TEST PILOT SCHOOL EDWARDS AFB CA
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| This USAF Test Pilot School Test Management Project report presents the results of an investigation of trailing cone flying qualities and calibration of an F-16B pacer aircraft equipped with fixed-length trailing cone systems of different lengths. |
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| A Limited Evaluation of Full Scale Control Surface Deflection Drag (Have FUN) |
JUN 2007 |
75 pages |
| Authors:
R. B. Reinhardt; Sean A. Celi; Jeffrey T. Geraghty; James W. Stahl; Victor J. Glover; Geoffrey G. Bowman; AIR FORCE FLIGHT TEST CENTER EDWARDS AFB CA
|
| The Have FUN (FUll Scale Numbers) Test Management Project was conducted at the request of the USAF TPS as an investigation into the drag caused by control surface deflection during dynamic soaring techniques. Forty-three test sorties were performed from 6-23 March 2007 under Job Order Number (JON) M07C0200. The six member Have FUN test team from TPS Class 06B performed the testing at the North Base facilities of Edwards AFB. ... |
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| Hover, Transition, and Level Flight Control Design for a Single-Propeller Indoor Airplane |
14-May-2007 |
44 pages |
| Authors:
DANIEL LEVINE; Mario Valenti; Jonathan P How; Adrian Frank; James McGrew; MASSACHUSETTS INST OF TECH CAMBRIDGE DEPT OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS
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| This paper presents vehicle models and test flight results for an autonomous fixed-wing airplane that is designed to take-off, hover, transition to and from level-flight modes, and perch on a vertical landing platform in a highly space constrained environment. By enabling a fixed-wing UAV to achieve these feats, the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft in level flight are complimented by hover capabilities that were typically limited to rotorcraft. ... |
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| Variability and Model Adequacy in Simulations of Store-Induced Limit Cycle Oscillations |
03 MAY 2007 |
48 pages |
| Authors:
Ashley S. Myers; NAVAL ACADEMY ANNAPOLIS MD
|
| A prominent phenomenon of the transonic flight regime is the potential for limit cycle oscillation (LCO) development. LCO is a stable oscillation produced by aeroelastic interactions within a component of the aircraft. Such oscillation shortens the fatigue life of the aircraft and increases the amount of maintenance necessary. These aspects are of great concern to the aerospace industry, particularly with high performance military aircraft that are required to operate beyond ... |
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| Initial Results from the Demonstration and Analysis of Reusable Nanosat Launch Vehicle Operations |
16 APR 2007 |
29 pages |
| Authors:
J.M. Garvey; E. Besnard; GARVEY SPACECRAFT CORP LONG BEACH CA
|
| Flight testing of prototype reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) has declined significantly since a period in the mid-1990s that was marked by ambitious projects but uneven results. Consequently, a new program has been established with the objective of investigating RLV-type fast turn-around flight operations. Major distinctions from these earlier efforts include the use of a smaller class of vehicles and payloads, along with an initial emphasis on operations as opposed to ... |
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| Automated Aerial Refueling Presentation to 2007 ARSAG Conference (Preprint) |
APR 2007 |
21 pages |
| Authors:
Jacob Hinchman; Daniel Schreiter; AIR FORCE RESEARCH LAB WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH AIR VEHICLES DIRECTORATE
|
| This presentation was prepared for the 2007 Aerial Refueling Systems Advisory Group (ARSAG) conference to update the status of the Automated Aerial Refueling (AAR) program at the Air Force Research Laboratory. The AAR technology suite has application to both manned and unmanned vehicles. For unmanned vehicles, AAR allows eliminates the tyranny of fuel, allowing unmanned vehicles to be based, deployed, and employed like manned systems. Furthermore as manned mission durations ... |
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| Department of Defense and Energy Independence: Optimism Meets Reality |
APR 2007 |
73 pages |
| Authors:
Kristine E. Blackwell; AIR UNIV MAXWELL AFB AL
|
| The Department of Defense (DOD) is at the center of the nation's discussion about national energy security. DOD, the largest single consumer of fuel in the United States, recognizes that it plays a central role in national efforts to reduce the use of and reliance on fossil fuel. Aviation fuel makes up the largest portion of fossil fuel consumed by DOD and therefore represents the area of greatest potential savings. ... |
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| AGGIESAT 1 |
31 MAR 2007 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Helen L. Reed; TEXAS ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION COLLEGE STATION
|
| The purpose of this final report is to provide a summary of the University Nanosat 4 Program's AggieSatI. Nanosat 4 was a joint program among AFOSR, AIAA, NASA GSFC, and AFRL/VS. The objectives of the program were to educate and train the future workforce through a national student satellite design and fabrication competition, and to enable small satellite R&D, payload development, integration, and flight test. Nanosat 4 had two distinct ... |
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| Kinetic Energy Kill for Ballistic Missile Defense: A Status Overview |
05 JAN 2007 |
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| Authors:
Steven A. Hildreth; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| For some time, U.S. ballistic missile defense (BMD) programs have focused primarily on developing kinetic energy interceptors to destroy attacking ballistic missiles. These efforts have evolved over 30 years and have produced a significant amount of test data from which much can be learned. This report provides a broad overview of the U.S. investment in this approach to BMD. The data on the U.S. flight test effort to develop a ... |
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| Evaluation of airborne Electromagnetic Systems for Detection and Characterization of unexploded ordnance (uXo) |
JAN 2007 |
67 pages |
| Authors:
William Doll; Scott Millhouse; T. J. Gamey; Les P. Beard; OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LAB TN
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| As a result of past military training and weapons-testing activities, an estimated 6 million hectares (approximately 15 million acres) of U.S. land is potentially contaminated with unexploded ordnance (UXO) and/or weapons testing- and training-related artifacts. Using current technologies, the costs associated with detection, identification, and mapping of this contamination has been estimated to be in the tens of billions of dollars. Current surface-based technologies are generally labor-intensive, slow, and expensive. ... |
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| Air Force Research Laboratory Technology Milestones 2007 |
2007 |
126 pages |
| Authors:
AIR FORCE RESEARCH LAB WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH
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| The Air Force Science and Technology Milestones herein often represent the combined effort of several scientists and engineers working as a team. The basic and applied research, plus the follow-on technology development described, are essential to the continued success of the Air Force mission. This book contains Technology Milestones selected from one or more of the following categories: Support to the Warfighter (Air, Space, and Cyberspace)- Technology that has potential ... |
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| Predictive Control for a Tail-Sitter UAV. Part 2 |
12 DEC 2006 |
14 pages |
| Authors:
Hugh Stone; Peter Anderson; Peter Gibbens; SYDNEY UNIV (AUSTRALIA)
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| This report covers a research project to develop a quasi non-linear model predictive control algorithm for a tail-sitter UAV. |
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| Cost Valuation: A Model for Comparing Dissimilar Aircraft Platforms |
DEC 2006 |
59 pages |
| Authors:
Eric J. Long; NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
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| The purpose of this MBA Project was to investigate and provide an overview of current cost valuation methods used to compare aircraft and then determine if the current methods were satisfactory for comparing dissimilar aircraft platforms. The goal of the project was to develop a model using O&S and procurement cost inputs together with aircraft inventory and utilization data in order to produce a cost per unit hour for any ... |
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| An Investigation of the Effects of Boundary Avoidance on Pilot Tracking |
DEC 2006 |
104 pages |
| Authors:
Randy D. Warren; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
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| ilot-Involved Oscillations (PIOs) remain a significant issue in the design, testing and operations of aerospace vehicles. Traditional methods for predicting, describing, and analyzing these events have provided the community with improved methods for minimizing the occurrences of PIOs. However, these events continue to occur over a wide range of aerospace vehicle types and over a wide range of pilot acumen. The introduction of boundary avoidance tracking (BAT) by Mr. William ... |
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Reports by Keyword(s)
FLIGHT TESTING
