Space-vehicle correlation of ground and flight experiments

Abstract

A 2-percent-scale model was designed for testing in the NTF. This model has remotely controlled elevons, body flap, and rudder to minimize tunnel entries associated with configuration changes in the NTF. The Shuttle Orbiter has a very large aerodynamic data base obtained in ground facilities. Since the vehicle flight-test program has already begun, a large amount of flight data can be analyzed and correlated with the NTF results.