The X-31a Quasi-Tailless Flight Test Results


Book Description

A quasi-tailless flight investigation was launched using the X-31A enhanced fighter maneuverability airplane. In-flight simulations were used to assess the effect of partial to total vertical tail removal. The rudder control surface was used to cancel the stabilizing effects of the vertical tail, and yaw thrust vector commands were used to restabilize and control the airplane. The quasi-tailless mode was flown supersonically with gentle maneuvering and subsonically in precision approaches and ground attack profiles. Pilot ratings and a full set of flight test measurements were recorded. This report describes the results obtained and emphasizes the lessons learned from the X-31A flight test experiment. Sensor-related issues and their importance to a quasi-tailless simulation and to ultimately controlling a directionally unstable vehicle are assessed. The X-31A quasi-tailless flight test experiment showed that tailless and reduced tail fighter aircraft are definitely feasible. When the capability is designed into the airplane from the beginning, the benefits have the potential to outweigh the added complexity required. Bosworth, John T. and Stoliker, P. C. Armstrong Flight Research Center RTOP 505-68-30










NASA's Contributions to Aeronautics: Aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, controls


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Two-volume collection of case studies on aspects of NACA-NASA research by noted engineers, airmen, historians, museum curators, journalists, and independent scholars. Explores various aspects of how NACA-NASA research took aeronautics from the subsonic to the hypersonic era.-publisher description.




In-Flight Simulators and Fly-by-Wire/Light Demonstrators


Book Description

This book offers the first complete account of more than sixty years of international research on In-Flight Simulation and related development of electronic and electro-optic flight control system technologies (“Fly-by-Wire” and “Fly-by-Light”). They have provided a versatile and experimental procedure that is of particular importance for verification, optimization, and evaluation of flying qualities and flight safety of manned or unmanned aircraft systems. Extensive coverage is given in the book to both fundamental information related to flight testing and state-of-the-art advances in the design and implementation of electronic and electro-optic flight control systems, which have made In-Flight Simulation possible. Written by experts, the respective chapters clearly show the interdependence between various aeronautical disciplines and in-flight simulation methods. Taken together, they form a truly multidisciplinary book that addresses the needs of not just flight test engi neers, but also other aeronautical scientists, engineers and project managers and historians as well. Students with a general interest in aeronautics as well as researchers in countries with growing aeronautical ambitions will also find the book useful. The omission of mathematical equations and in-depth theoretical discussions in favor of fresh discussions on innovative experiments, together with the inclusion of anecdotes and fascinating photos, make this book not only an enjoyable read, but also an important incentive to future research. The book, translated from the German by Ravindra Jategaonkar, is an extended and revised English edition of the book Fliegende Simulatoren und Technologieträger , edited by Peter Hamel and published by Appelhans in 2014.







Advances in Flight Testing


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Paper


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ASME Technical Papers


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