Flight Demonstration of Stealthy Closed-Loop Attitude Control
Abstract
Flight demonstration of modern stealthy aircraft with an active flow control system is an important, complex, and challenging problem. The probability of success in the current program was maximized by a progressive plan in which complexity was introduced gradually. Active flow control systems for stealthy maneuvering were advanced on several fronts in this Phase I STTR program. A simple closed-loop control system that integrates active flow control (suction) actuators and sensors was developed and demonstrated in laboratory experiments. Feedback control of flow separation using unsteady blowing/suction was investigated using theory and computational fluid dynamic simulations. Finally, pulsed-jet active flow control actuators were developed and demonstrated in flight tests using a modified radio-controlled model plane (88 inch wingspan and 60 mph flight speed). The active flow control actuators were employed in specially designed wing tip regions of the model plane. The flight tests demonstrated high authority roll control using these stealthy active flow control actuators.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 12, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA408500
Entities
People
- A. B. Cain
- E. D. Fasse
- E. J. Kerschen
- H. F. Fasel
- T. T. Ng
Organizations
- Innovative Technology Applications