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At least 307 records · Page 17

Validation of AV-8B V/STOL characteristics by full scale static and wind tunnel tests

The background which led to the requirement for the full scale powered wind tunnel tests of an AV-8B model, and the formulation of specific objectives for the test, are outlined. The detailed planning, analysis, and coordination with NASA, NAVAIR, and other industry participants is described. The modification of an AV-8A Harrier into an AV-8B configuration suitable for full scale testing at Ames is described. In addition, instrumentation and data systems are explained. Operations during the 40 ft x 80 ft wind tunnel testing and the resulting propulsion, aerodynamic, performance, stability and control data are presented and suggestions offered for future V/STOL testing.

Hollingsworth, E. G.↗

The application of QCSEE technology to V/STOL

While at this point in time no particular propulsion system configuration has been chosen for the V/STOL Type A, many combinations of number of fans, gas generators, and methods of power interconnection have been investigated. Low pressure systems under consideration include variable pitch and variable inlet guide vanes for thrust modulation, geared and direct turbine drive, and shaft and gas power transfer systems. Several of these features are being studied in the Quiet, Clean, Short-Haul, Experimental Engine (QCSEE) program, which is developing the technology needed for future short-haul passenger aircraft. Test status and key characteristics of QCSEE engines and their components are discussed in detail.

Willis, W. S.↗

Propulsion cycle effects for a two-fan V/STOL aircraft

This paper discusses the results of an in-depth study investigating the impacts of variable pitch, geared turbofan cycle parameters on a two-fan, subsonic, V/STOL aircraft. Variations in fan pressure ratio, compressor pressure ratio and combustor exit temperature are presented as they affect critical mission legs, aircraft performance, engine thrust-to-weight ratio and as a total systems impact in terms of aircraft takeoff gross weight. Several parameters have counter acting components which, when combined, synergistically result in an optimum value for that parameter. Careful attention has been paid to the changes in aircraft installation penalties associated with each cycle parameter.

Feddersen, R. E.↗

Preliminary study of propulsion systems and airplane wing parameters for a US Navy subsonic V/STOL aircraft

Two V/STOL propulsion concepts were evaluated in a common aircraft configuration. One propulsion system consists of cross coupled turboshaft engines driving variable pitch fans. The other system is a gas coupled combination of turbojet gas generators and tip turbine fixed pitch fans. Evaluations were made of endurance at low altitude, low speed loiter with equal takeoff fuel loads. Effects of propulsion system sizing, bypass ratio, and aircraft wing planform parameters were investigated and compared. Shaft driven propulsion systems appear to result in better overall performance, although at higher installed weight, than gas systems.

Zola, C. L.↗

Low speed test of a high-bypass-ratio propulsion system with an asymmetric inlet designed for a tilt-nacelle V/STOL airplane

A large scale model of a lift/cruise fan inlet designed for a tilt nacelle V/STOL airplane was tested with a high bypass ratio turbofan. Testing was conducted at low freestream velocities with inlet angles of attack ranging from 0 deg to 120 deg. The operating limits for the nacelle were found to be related to inlet boundary layer separation. Small separations originating in the inlet diffuser cause little or no performance degradation. However, at sufficiently severe freestream conditions the separation changes abruptly to a lip separation. This change is associated with a significant reduction in nacelle net thrust as well as a sharp increase in fan blade vibratory stresses. Consequently, the onset of lip separation is regarded as the nacelle operating limit. The test verified that the asymmetric inlet design will provide high performance and stable operation at the design forward speed and angle of attack conditions. At some of these, however, operation near the lower end of the design inlet airflow range is not feasible due to the occurrence of lip separation.

Syberg, J.↗

A comparison of V/STOL handling requirements with the VAK-191B

The two available V/STOL criteria references were compared with flight measurements obtained on the VAK-191B along with the pilot's comments relative to the aircraft meeting the specifications. Differences in the specifications themselves were also noted. Handling qualities requirements for shipboard operation were emphasized.

Anderson, S. B.↗

V/STOL hover stability impact on hover control task

Longitudinal static stability requirements for V/STOL aircraft are discussed in terms of vertical landing on a small ship at night, response of the aircraft to air turbulence, and hovering flight. The increased pilot workload encountered under these flight conditions is considered. Results of a flight simulation study performed to evaluate a specific hover control task, two control systems - attitude rate command and translational velocity command, and the pilots' performance with and without turbulence are reported. It is concluded that the translational velocity command system provides the control requirements for good spot hovering capability and reduced pilot workload.

Whitaker, A. B.↗

Rationale for selection of a flight control system for lift cruise fan V/STOL aircraft

Various features of the lift cruise fan V/STOL concept are briefly reviewed. The ability to operate from small ships in adverse weather, low visibility, and rough sea conditions is emphasized as is the need for a highly capable, flexible, and reliabile flight control system. A three channel control by wire, digital flight control system is suggested. The requirement for automatic flight control, the advantage of control by wire implementation, the preference for a digital computer, and the need for three channel redundancy are among the factors discussed.

Konsewicz, R. K.↗

Preliminary design of a flight control system for a V/STOL airplane with geared variable pitch fans

A flight control system designed for an aircraft powered by three variable pitch fans, interconnected by shafts to provide lifting system redundancy is considered for application to a Navy Type A V/STOL aircraft with similar configurational features. The differences and similarities in the applications are discussed with emphasis on a design approach for safety in the event of failures in the propulsion and flight control systems. Differences in flying qualities and system design criteria are considered.

Gotleib, P.↗

Electronics plus fluidics for V/STOL flight control

The redundant digital fly by wire flight control system coupled with a fluidic system, which uses hydraulic pressure as its signal transmission means to provide pilot and feedback sensor control of airframe forcing functions is considered for application to the V/STOL aircraft. A potential fluidics system is introduced, and anticipated performance, weight, and reliability is discussed. Integration with the redundant electronic channels is explored, with the safety and mission reliability of alternate configurations estimated.

Hendrick, R. C.↗

Large scale static tests of a tilt-nacelle V/STOL propulsion/attitude control system

The concept of a combined V/STOL propulsion and aircraft attitude control system was subjected to large scale engine tests. The tilt nacelle/attitude control vane package consisted of the T55 powered Hamilton Standard Q-Fan demonstrator. Vane forces, moments, thermal and acoustic characteristics as well as the effects on propulsion system performance were measured under conditions simulating hover in and out of ground effect.

Source record↗

Helicopter noise research at the Langley V/STOL tunnel

The noise generated from a 1/4-scale AH-1G helicopter configuration was investigated in the Langley V/STOL tunnel. Microphones were installed in positions scaled to those for which flight test data were available. Model and tunnel conditions were carefully set to properly scaled flight conditions. Data presented indicate a high degree of similarity between model and flight test results. It was found that the pressure time history waveforms are very much alike in shape and amplitude. Blade slap when it occurred seemed to be generated in about the same location in the rotor disk as on the flight vehicle. If model and tunnel conditions were properly matched, including inflow turbulence characteristics, the intensity of the blade-slap impulse seemed to correlate well with flight.

Hoad, D. R.↗

Low-speed test limit of V/STOL model located vertically off-center

A vertically off-centered V/STOL model - a 2-ft-diam three-bladed aluminum propeller operating in a rotor mode - is tested in an 8 by 12 ft wind tunnel with and without ground plane along with an associated 3 by 4.5 ft test section insert. The objective was to assess the effect of the vertically off-centered model on the low-speed test limit. The aerodynamic data of the model at a constant negative angle of attack (-3 deg) are recorded at selected tunnel dynamic pressures to provide adequate data points to define the model lift variation with respect to the tip speed ratio. The adverse effect of the rotor low-speed test limit is observed in the form of lift change with respect to the tip speed ratio. A major conclusion is that for rotors tested with a ground plane or in the vicinity of the floor, the ratio of distance between floor and model to rotor radius defines the low-speed test limits.

Shindo, S.↗

Simulator evaluation of three situation and guidance displays for V/STOL aircraft zero-zero landing approaches

A simulator study was undertaken to compare and evaluate the design features of the electronic displays for possible use in V/STOL aircraft: a combined transition display (Display A), a perspective display (Display B), and a hover display (Display C). Display B presents height information via integrated elements; Displays A and C present information similarly except that Display C presents vertical and lateral guidance via conventional cross pointers. High pilot work load was attained by evaluating the displays only as situational guidance displays in a simulated vehicle without stability augmentation. Glide slopes of 6 and 15 deg were used, and steady-state and no-wind conditions were randomly presented. Six pilots participated, and fifty-five objective performance measures were taken along with pilot opinions

Murphy, M. R.↗

Methods for calculating the transonic boundary layer separation for V/STOL inlets at high incidence angles

A semi-empirical scheme for the prediction of transonic pressure distribution on the surface of V/STOL inlets at high incidence angles has been developed. The investigation is intended to improve the boundary layer calculation and separation prediction by including the effects of shock wave-boundary layer interaction into the Lewis Inlet Viscous Computer Program. Wind-tunnel results and theoretical pressure calculation for critical cases are used in constructing the transonic pressure distribution. The program, which describes the development of the boundary layer and predicts the possible flow separation, can handle the cases of inlets at high incidence angles where local supersonic region may occur in the flow.

Chou, D. C.↗

Wind-tunnel investigation of highly maneuverable supersonic V/STOL fighter

Results from the initial wind-tunnel test of a large-scale, highly maneuverable supersonic V/STOL fighter model in the Ames 40- by 80-foot wind tunnel are summarized. The STOL configuration which was tested combined upper surface blowing and spanwise blowing to improve the lift characteristics over a wide angle-of-attack range. A close-coupled canard was added to this configuration to create a highly maneuverable STOL aircraft. The 7.28 m (24 ft) span model was powered by two J-97 turbojet engines, each producing 9340 N (2200 lb) thrust at a pressure ratio of 2. With the nozzle flap and aileron set at 30 deg, the model produced lift coefficients greater than 4. The model was longitudinally unstable because of the forward canard position and because of the large body area of fuselage, strake, and nacelles forward of the center of gravity.

Falarski, M. D.↗

Performance of a V/STOL tilt nacelle inlet with blowing boundary layer control

A scale model of a V/STOL tilt nacelle fitted to a 0.508 m single stage fan was tested in the NASA Lewis 9x15 ft low speed wind tunnel to determine the effect of diffuser blowing on the inlet aerodynamics and aeromechanical performance. The test was conducted over a range of freestream speeds (up to 120 knots) and angles of attack (up to 120 deg). Diffuser blowing had a beneficial affect on all performance parameters. The angle of attack range for separation free flow substantially increased, and the fan face distortion significantly reduced with a corresponding increase in total pressure recovery. Discrete narrow band blade stress peaks which were common to the nonblowing (baseline) configuration were eradicated with diffuser blowing.

Johns, A. L.↗

Aerodynamics of a tilt-nacelle V/STOL propulsion system

Tests were performed in the Ames 40 by 80 Foot Wind Tunnel on a large-scale, tilt-nacelle V/STOL propulsion system to determine its aerodynamic characteristics. Unpowered nacelle aerodynamics and power induced effects over an angle of attack range from 0 to 105 deg are presented. It is shown that: (1) the characteristics of the unpowered nacelle can be estimated with annular airfoil data, (2) the power-induced effects on the nacelle aerodynamics are significant, and (3) pitching moment can be correlated with lift and thrust.

Betzina, M. D.↗