PITOT MEASUREMENTS ON AN X-15 ROCKET PLANE.
Abstract
A research project was planned as a feasibility study to determine whether the X-15 rocket plane could be adapted to carry an instrumented package for pitot measurements. To achieve the desired measurements, a wing pod modification provided the necessary internal volume and external aerodynamic geometry to permit pitot measurements of atmospheric density throughout the altitude range up to 85 kilometers. Five flights, the first two being test flights, were made. Only the third and last flights may be considered useful in deriving results indicative of possible future application of the X-15 for purposes of obtaining reliable data for the pitot measurement. The significant aspects of the research project are the instrumentation associated with the installation of radioactive ionization gages in the X-15, the design of the nose tip configuration compatible with the X-15 wing pod design, and the replacement of original ionization gages with more advanced models. The basic objective of obtaining accurate atmospheric density profiles to expand our understanding of the structure of the upper atmosphere was never fully attained. The present report presents the limitations preventing a successful conclusion of the research as originally conceived. However, the research effort was valuable in pointing out some of the restrictions associated with a manned rocket vehicle. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0675579
Entities
People
- Gary F. Rupert
- Jack J. Horvath
Organizations
- University of Michigan