Measured Weight, Balance, and Moments of Inertia of the X-24A Lifting Body
Abstract
Accurate values of weight, center of gravity, and moments of inertia were measured prior to the first flight of the X-24A lifting body. The weight, longitudinal, and lateral centers of gravity were measured at the AFFTC Weight and Balance Facility. The vertical center of gravity was measured by suspending the aircraft from a cable and determining the tilt angles as weights were added at the nose. Moments of inertia about each axis were measured by restraining the vehicle with springs and allowing it to vibrate about knife edges in the X- and Y-axes and a suspension cable in the Z-axis. These values were used as a baseline for mass data determination throughout the flight test program. A digital computer program was used to update the mass data for aircraft configuration changes and to produce time histories of mass data for powered flights, including the effects of rocket propellant flow and the changes in position of propellant in the tanks which result from accelerations in the aircraft.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0893813
Entities
People
- John P. Retelle
Organizations
- Air Force Test Center