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Conventional CT scanners cannot accommodate long or bulky aircraft components.

The development of the XB-70 research aircraft produced advancements in many fields of technology. This paper covers a few of these advancements in the areas of materials, equipment, and manufacturing.

The XB-70A represents the most advanced example of the evolution and technological advances of manned aircraft in the past decade. It is, in effect, the forerunner of SST type aircraft and in itself is responsible for many items or features that have been subsequently embodied in contemporary military aircraft. ...It is, in effect, the forerunner of SST type aircraft and in itself is responsible for many items or features that have been subsequently embodied in contemporary military aircraft. This paper describes the unique aerodynamic concepts and configuration of the XB-70A and its airborne systems. ...Examples of improvements in air vehicle No. 2 as a result of air vehicle No. 1 experience are presented, including a summary of major system reliability demonstrated during the flight test program as an indicator of the potential refinements in cost and performance possible for future large high-speed aircraft.

Five XC-142 aircraft have been manufactured to provide operational prototypes of a V/STOL tactical transport for tri-service evaluation.

The radio architecture includes an antenna, an RF tuner module, a baseband chipset and a microprocessor. All of these subsystems underwent a complete transformation in the past four years from a size perspective, capability and cost.

Mobile antenna design challenges are also being addressed and optimum antenna configurations are presented.

In a continuing effort to expand the versatility of their aircraft, VTOL designers have for many years tried to combine the desirable features of various concepts into a single aircraft. ...In a continuing effort to expand the versatility of their aircraft, VTOL designers have for many years tried to combine the desirable features of various concepts into a single aircraft. This is a formidable task and most efforts have met with limited success. This paper explores the need for an aircraft combining the efficient VTOL capability of a helicopter with the efficient high speed characteristics of a fixed wing turboprop. ...This paper explores the need for an aircraft combining the efficient VTOL capability of a helicopter with the efficient high speed characteristics of a fixed wing turboprop.

MBB and Rockwell, under DARPA/NAVAIR and GMOD contract, are currently designing an experimental aircraft which will be dedicated to demonstrate “enhanced fighter maneuverability” (EFM) and supermaneuverability in particular. ...MBB and Rockwell, under DARPA/NAVAIR and GMOD contract, are currently designing an experimental aircraft which will be dedicated to demonstrate “enhanced fighter maneuverability” (EFM) and supermaneuverability in particular. The aircraft is designed to break one of the last barriers left in aviation, the stall barrier. It will be able to perform tactical maneuvers up to 70° angle of attack and thus achieve very small radii of turn. ...The test aircraft is resembling a Delta-Canard configuration which would provide good supersonic maneuver performance as mandatory for future beyond visual range air combat.

The status of the YC-14 program is described in this paper in two respects: (1) progress of the design, development and manufacture of the flight articles; and (2) progress that components of the YC-14 make relative to current goals of the aircraft industry. Technology areas where the YC-14 has made distinct contributions are described and indications are given as to the relative contribution and the remaining potential for development. ...These elements have been incorporated in an operationally capable aircraft that is concluding its manufacturing phase on schedule and is about to begin its flight test program.

The YF-23A Advanced Tactical prototype Fighter was a revolutionary statically unstable, twin engine aircraft that cruised at supersonic speeds without afterburner and was designed to out maneuver opponents at subsonic and supersonic speeds. ...Combining these capabilities into a chosen aircraft configuration demanded a flight control hydraulic system of unprecedented power and performance. ...The laboratory contained a complete Iron Bird facility that was fully representative of the real aircraft. The hydraulic system also underwent rigorous flight testing on two flying prototypes at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB).

Combat aircraft maneuvering at high angles of attack or in landing approach are likely to encounter conditions where the flow over the swept wings is yawed. ...Prior work has shown the occurrence of narrowband velocity fluctuations in this region for most combat aircraft models, including those with twin fins. Fin vibration and damage has been traced to excitation by such narrowband fluctuations. ...A 42 degree delta wing with rounded leading edges, roughly equivalent to a 1/20 scale of existing combat aircraft, is used in a 2.74 m low speed wind tunnel in the angle of attack range 18 to 35 degrees and over a range of yaw settings.

This paper describes the development of a set of algorithms that find the takeoff gross weight of an aircraft for given vehicle and engine characteristics, and mission requirements. A major objective was to find the most elementary set that would still yield useful answers.

Currently, there is a great research effort, from both the government and academic sectors, as well as from the aircraft manufacturers, which includes the test of demonstration H2 aircraft prototypes. This effort also might include policies to foster environmental friendly fuel alternatives, to make them cost competitive. ...Hydrogen fueled aircrafts might have fewer range limitations, compared with battery electric counterparts, currently restricted to smaller commuter flights, given the low energy density of the batteries. ...These fuel features require aircraft and engine design modifications, as well as a new fuel distribution infrastructure. Another major challenge is the full understanding of the non CO2 related climate impacts of hydrogen combustion, such as H2O emissions at cruise altitudes, which interacts with soot and particles in the atmosphere, to form contrails.

The zero-gravity test program conducted in a KC-135 aircraft provided the primary verification of the performance of the waste collection and urine volume determination functions prior to actual space flight.

In a 2-year program sponsored by SJAC, an aqueous electroplating process using alkaline Zn-Ni with trivalent chromium post treatment is under evaluation for high strength steel for aircraft application as an alternative to cadmium. Commercial Zn-15%Ni rack/barrel plating solutions are basis for plating aircraft parts or fasteners. ...Commercial Zn-15%Ni rack/barrel plating solutions are basis for plating aircraft parts or fasteners. Brightener was reduced from the original formula to form porous plating that enables bake-out of hydrogen to avoid hydrogen embrittlement condition.

To enable the tests required for development work to be performed with maximum efficiency, the Zwick Roell Group (ZwickRoell) – a global supplier of materials testing machines based out of Ulm, Germany – developed a materials testing machine that can be equipped with both a temperature chamber and a high-temperature furnace.

It is emphasized that the choice of a starting system for a particular aircraft will depend on aircraft characteristics and the aircraft's intended use.*

Other deflection devices, such as movable plug, internal flap, cylindrical thrust reverser, swiveled primary with fixed shroud, and 90 deg side-bleed nozzle, are limited in application to jet directional control or aircraft trim because the loss in axial thrust for a given deflection force is prohibitive or the maximum deflected force obtainable is limited. ...Many of the directional control and lift augmentation devices for use with conventional nozzles can be applied directly to existing aircraft. The more bizarre deflection devices (annular and Coanda nozzles) will require novel air craft configurations in order to realize optimum performance.

Mach 2 is considered a logical starting point since it represents the approximate upper limit of present day military aircraft. Manned aircraft will continue to be developed for flight at very high speed and high altitudes and the experiences gained will serve as stepping stones to eventual manned satellites and space vehicles. ...THIS PAPER is concerned with design problems which are encountered on manned aircraft operating at very high speeds. Very high speeds are considered to be from Mach 2 or 1300 mph to speeds of the order of Mach 38 or 25,000 mph, which is the velocity for escape from the earth.