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At least 379 records · Page 21

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.↗

Requirements for VLA systems

The effectiveness of visual landing aid (VLA) systems during the approach and landing flight phase of V/STOL aircraft is examined. Baseline requirements for VLA systems are determined.

Flynn, N. S.↗

NAVTOLAND and flying qualities

The V/STOL operational capability is reviewed with emphasis on pilot workload and all-weather landing guidance systems. A research and development program to correlate and integrate the development of all systems and techniques involved in enabling the pilot to fly V/STOL aircraft onto ships and tactical sites is described. Aircraft design parameters that affect its control in the vertical takeoff and landing flight regimes are emphasized. Topics considered include: (1) integrated flight controls and displays; (2) low speed sensor; (3) air traffic control appraoch and landing guidance systems; (4) visual landing aids; (5) ground effect induced thrust variation problems; and (6) handling qualities.

Momiyama, T. S.↗

Toward a new V/STOL generation

While many V/STOL problems are now better understood and technology has progressed to the point where higher thrust/weight ratios and greater stability augmentation are achievable, a number of still existing insufficiencies provide a sobering reminder that learning in ground testing and simulation, and careful methodical planning, are a prerequisite for any research and development program. The present paper is centered on the major technical problems for the Navy Type multimission V/STOL aircraft. The aircraft's configurations with and without forward lift fan are discussed, along with the propulsion systems, testing techniques, controls, displays, flight dynamics, and ground/flow field interactions.

Roberts, L.↗

Thrust and mass flow characteristics of four 36 inch diameter tip turbine fan thrust vectoring systems in and out of ground effect

The calibration tests carried out on the propulsion system components of a 70 percent scale, powered model of a NASA 3-fan V/STOL aircraft configuration are described. The three X3/6B/T58 turbotip fan units used in the large scale powered model were tested on an isolated basis over a range of ground heights from H/D of 1.02 to infinity. A higher pressure ratio LF336/J85 fan unit was tested over a range of ground heights from 1.55 to infinity. The results of the test program demonstrated that: (1) the thrust and mass flow performance of the X376B/T58 nose lift unit is essentially constant for H/D variations down to 1.55; at H/D 1.02 back pressurization of the fan exit occurs and is accompanied by an increase in thrust of five percent; (2) a change in nose fan exit hub shape from flat plate to hemispherical produces no significant difference in louvered lift nozzle performance for height variations from H/D = 1.02 to infinity; (3) operation of the nose lift nozzle at the higher fan pressure ratio generated by the LF336/J85 fan system causes no significant change in ground proximity performance down to an H/D of 1.55, the lowest height tested with this unit; and (4) the performance of the left and right X376B/T58 lift/cruise units in the vertical lift mode remains unchanged, within plus or minus two percent for the range of ground heights from H/D = 1.02 to infinity.

Esker, D. W.↗

Recent applications of theoretical analysis to V/STOL inlet design

The theoretical analysis methods, potential flow, and boundary layer, used at Lewis are described. Recent application to Navy V/STOL aircraft, both fixed and tilt nacelle configurations, are presented. A three dimensional inlet analysis computer program is described and preliminary results presented. An approach to optimum design of inlets for high angle of attack operations is dicussed.

Stockman, N. O.↗

Design and testing of a redundant skewed inertial sensor complex for integrated navigation and flight control

Requirements for a redundant strapdown inertial sensor complex applied to V/STOL aircraft as developed by NASA are presented. Flight test data of a redundant, skewed axis strapdown inertial system are given, demonstrating the feasibility of the primary design aspects. This data consisted of parity equation responses through various flight conditions, showing residual noise levels on redundant gyro and accelerometer comparisons as a measure of minimum failure-level detectability, plus failure isolation and navigation performance through several simulated instrument failures.

Ebner, R. E.↗

Recent applications of theoretical analysis to V/STOL inlet design

A brief description of the axisymmetric potential flow and boundary layer analysis methods used at the NASA Lewis Research Center, is presented. Application of this method to inlet problems arising from both tilt-nacelle and fixed-nacelle V/STOL aircraft configurations is illustrated. A three-dimensional inlet analysis computer program is described and the preliminary results presented. Finally, a suggested approach to optimum design of inlets for high angle-of-attack operation is discussed.

Stockman, N. O.↗

Recent research on V/STOL test limits at the University of Washington aeronautical laboratory

The occurence of flow breakdown during the wind tunnel testing of a powered V/STOL aircraft was studied. Flow breakdown is the low forward speed test limit in a solid wall wind tunnel and is characterized by a vortex which forms on the floor and walls of the wind tunnel thereby failing to simulate free air conditions. The flow is caused by the interaction of the model wake and tunnel boundary layer and affects the model's aerodynamic characteristics in such fashion as to negate their reliability as correctable wind tunnel data. The low speed test limit was examined using a model that possessed a discretely concentrated powered lift system using a pair of lift jets. The system design is discussed and the tests and results which show that flow breakdown occurs at a velocity ratio of approximately 0.20 are reported.

Shindo, S.↗

Low speed test of the aft inlet designed for a tandem fan V/STOL nacelle

An approximately .25 scale model of a Tandem Fan nacelle designed for a Type A V/STOL aircraft configuration was tested in a 10-by-10 foot wind tunnel. A 12 inch, tip driven, turbofan simulator was used to provide the suction source for the aft fan inlet. The front fan inlet was faired over for this test entry. Model variables consisted of a long aft inlet cowl, a short aft inlet cowl, a shaft simulator, blow-in door passages and diffuser vortex generators. Inlet pressure recovery, distortion, inlet angle of attack separation limits were evaluated at tunnel velocities from 0 to 240 knots, angles of attack from -10 to 40 degrees and inlet flow rates representative of throat Mach numbers of 0.1 to 0.6. High inlet performance and stable operation was verified at all design forward speed and angle of attack conditions. The short aft inlet configuration provided exceptionally high pressure recovery except at the highest combination of angle of attack and forward speed. The flow quality at the fan face was somewhat degraded by the addition of blow-in door passages to the long aft inlet configuration due to the pressure disturbances generated by the flow entering the diffuser through the auxiliary air passages.

Rhoades, W. W.↗

Phase 2 and 3 wind tunnel tests of the J-97 powered, external augmentor V/STOL model

Static and forward speed tests were made in a 40 multiplied by 80 foot wind tunnel of a large-scale, ejector-powered V/STOL aircraft model. Modifications were made to the model following earlier tests primarily to improve longitudinal acceleration capability during transition from hovering to wingborne flight. A rearward deflection of the fuselage augmentor thrust vector was shown to be beneficial in this regard. Other augmentor modifications were tested, notably the removal of both endplates, which improved acceleration performance at the higher transition speeds. The model tests again demonstrated minimal interference of the fuselage augmentor on aerodynamic lift. A flapped canard surface also showed negligible influence on the performance of the wing and of the fuselage augmentor.

Garland, D. B.↗

Large scale model tests of a new technology V/STOL concept

An ejector design concept for V/STOL aircraft, featuring a double-delta configuration with two large chordwise ejector slots adjacent to the fuselage side and a tailplane or canard for longitudinal control is examined. Large scale model tests of the concept have shown that ejector systems are capable of significant thrust augmentation at realistic supply pressures and temperatures, so that power plant size and weight can be reduced accordingly. A thrust augmentation of at least 1.75 can be achieved for the isolated ejector, not making allowance for duct and nozzle losses. Substantial reductions in velocity, temperature and noise of the lifting jet are assured due to mixing within the ejector - this lessens the severity of ground erosion and the thrust loss associated with reingestion. Consideration is also given to the effect of ground proximity, longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics, transition performance, and lateral stability.

Whittley, D. C.↗

Additional testing of the inlets designed for a tandem fan V/STOL nacelle

The wind tunnel testing of a scale model of a tandem fan nacelle designed for a type (subsonic cruise) V/STOL aircraft configuration is discussed. The performance for the isolated front inlet and for the combined front and aft inlets is reported. Model variables include front and aft inlets with aft inlet variations of short and long aft inlet cowls, with a shaft simulator and diffuser vortex generators, cowl lip fillets, and nacelle strakes. Inlet pressure recovery, distortion, and inlet angle-to-attack separation limits were evaluated at tunnel velocity from 0 to 240 knots, angles-of-attack from -10 to +40 degrees and inlet flow rates corresponding to throat Mach number from 0.0 to 0.6. Combined nacelle pitch and yaw runs up to 30 deg. were also made.

Ybarra, A. H.↗

Some aspects of calculating flows about three-dimensional subsonic inlets

As a consequence of the growing interest in the development of V/STOL aircraft technology, efforts are being made to create new designs for a propulsion system which can be operated over a wide range of flight speeds, incidence angles, and throttle settings. In connection with these efforts, various inlet configurations have been proposed. The high experimental costs incurred in the study of various inlet geometries, led to the employment of a computational method for the investigation of inlets. Attention is given to the computer program, paneling and surface static pressure, surface flow pattern, and the inlet flow field. The reported investigation demonstrates that useful information for initial screenings may be obtained from potential flow calculations.

Kao, H. C.↗

Tests of a D vented thrust deflecting nozzle behind a simulated turbofan engine

A D vented thrust deflecting nozzle applicable to subsonic V/STOL aircraft was tested behind a simulated turbofan engine in the verticle thrust stand. Nozzle thrust, fan operating characteristics, nozzle entrance conditions, and static pressures were measured. Nozzle performance was measured for variations in exit area and thrust deflection angle. Six core nozzle configurations, the effect of core exit axial location, mismatched core and fan stream nozzle pressure ratios, and yaw vane presence were evaluated. Core nozzle configuration affected performance at normal and engine out operating conditions. Highest vectored nozzle performance resulted for a given exit area when core and fan stream pressure were equal. Its is concluded that high nozzle performance can be maintained at both normal and engine out conditions through control of the nozzle entrance Mach number with a variable exit area.

Watson, T. L.↗

Comparison of two parallel/series flow turbofan propulsion concepts for supersonic V/STOL

The thrust, specific fuel consumption, and relative merits of the tandem fan and the dual reverse flow front fan propulsion systems for a supersonic V/STOL aircraft are discussed. Consideration is given to: fan pressure ratio, fan air burning, and variable core supercharging. The special propulsion system components required are described, namely: the deflecting front inlet/nozzle, the aft subsonic inlet, the reverse pitch fan, the variable core supercharger and the low pressure forward burner. The potential benefits for these unconventional systems are indicated.

Luidens, R. W.↗

Jet V/STOL wind-tunnel simulation and groundplane effects

The pretest preparation necessary to define the objectives of an appropriate investigation into the jet V/STOL wind tunnel simulation and ground plane effects were examined. Low speed wind tunnel testing of V/STOL aircraft concepts to determine the aerodynamic propulsion interaction effects during the transition between hover and wingborne flight is a necessary step in the development cycle of this type of aircraft. Powered models are normally used to determine the aerodynamic performance characteristics. Several factors which influence the selection of the model concept and the engine simulator are discussed. Some of the test techniques important for this class of aircraft model are examined. Wind tunnel wall effects important to this aircraft testing with special emphasis on groundplane effects are reviewed.

Margason, R. J.↗

Experimental and analytical results of tangential blowing applied to a subsonic V/STOL inlet

Engine inlets for subsonic V/STOL aircraft must operate over a wide range of conditions without internal flow separation. Experimental and analytical investigations were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of tangential blowing to maintain attached flow to high angles of attack. The inlet had a relatively thin lip with a blowing slot located either on the lip or in the diffuser. The height and width of these slots was varied. Experimentally determined flow separation boundaries showed that lip blowing achieved higher angle of attack capability than diffuser blowing. This capability was achieved with the largest slot circumferential extent and either of the two slot heights. Predicted (analytical) separation boundaries showed good agreement except at the highest angles of attack.

Burley, R. R.↗