Simulation Support of a 17.5 percent Scale F/A-18E/F Remotely Piloted Vehicle,
Abstract
As defense budgets continue to shrink, cost-effective methods for the accurate and timely acquisition of aerodynamic data must be developed. Traditionally, wind tunnels have fulfilled this role at both the conceptual and developmental stages, as well as, throughout the service life of an aircraft. However, although wind tunnels are a trusted and valuable data source that provide consistent, repeatable data upon which to construct aerodynamic models, they also have inherent limitations such as blockage effects, wall and sting interference, and flow variations. Because of these constraints and due to the elevated angles-of-attack and sideslip that modern fighter aircraft are capable of, wind tunnels can be limited in their ability to cover an entire flight envelope. Another problem with the construction of aerodynamic models using wind tunnel data is the discontinuities that arise from the fundamental requirement for multiple -- and usually dissimilar -- data sources to construct a full-envelope model (rotary balance data combined with low-speed forced oscillation data; low-speed static data appended with supersonic data; and so on). A final problem that plagues wind tunnel testing, a problem that is likely to worsen given the recent closure of some facilities (e.g., NASA Langley's 3Ox6O tunnel), is the often limited availability of the resource; one wind tunnel facility can typically support many different platforms and programs, both civilian and military, and all of these must compete with one another for facility time.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 27, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA307884
Entities
People
- Timothy R. Fitzgerald
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center