Search Results

THE optimum mode of control for an aircraft engine is dependent on both the configuration of the engine and its application. Each engine application requires several detail modes of control, one for each definable regime of operation of the engine. Discussions of control requirements can be simplified by classifying these regimes by objectives: physical limiting, thrust, and transient control. The turbojet engine is the basis for the discussion in this paper. Acceptable modes of control can often be selected by inspection of the engine and its application. Selection of an “optimum” control mode requires investigation of the operation of the engine and weapons system at every stage of its use. The selection of a “mode” of control requires a compromise between performance and other design factors. The need for simplicity and accuracy must be balanced against the stability requirements. The availability and flexibility of control components may limit the modes of control considered.

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. 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. The major problems to be solved relate to aerodynamic heating, stability and control, and human effects. This paper received the 1958 Wright Brothers Medal.

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. Such highly instantaneous 3-dimensional maneuvers are of significant tactical value in future air combat with all aspect weapons. Key to the penetration into this unexplored flight regime is thrust vectoring in pitch and yaw. This feature is also used to enhance agility in critical flight conditions and to enhance the decoupling of fuselage aiming and flight path control as required for head-on gun firing.

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. This paper describes the unique aerodynamic concepts and configuration of the XB-70A and its airborne systems. Results of the current flight test program are summarized along with discussions on “gremlin” areas during fabrication and flight testing, and how they were or are being solved. 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.

Controlling rivet tolerances, and the hole tolerances that these rivets are inserted into, are some of the most important requirements in the manufacture of aircraft. Because of the laminar air flow over the outside of the skin in all aircraft, and the stealth requirements of military aircraft, the rivets must sit flush with the Outside Mode Line of the exterior skin. This countersink depth must be tightly controlled in tolerance, both in the hole diameter & countersink, and also in the manufacture of the rivets. In the past, the aircraft OEM's have driven, independently, the rivet manufacturer and the machine manufacturer drilling the holes, to control tighter and tighter tolerances. The conventional way to get better performance is to implement SPC independently into the rivet manufacturing process and also into the machine hole drilling process. Let's consider first the rivet manufacturing process.

The reliability and maintenance of electrical wiring and electrical components in aging aircraft have become areas of concern for the aviation industry. Numerous investigations have been conducted on the aging aspects of wiring and systems of large transport and military airplanes, with funding primarily from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), Air Force, and NASA. However, because of the large number of smaller general aviation aircraft in service, a need for examining the condition of wiring, electrical components and maintenance procedures for smaller aircraft exists. The Aging Aircraft Research Laboratory at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), Wichita State University, has conducted a comprehensive teardown evaluation of three high time commuter class airplanes. This teardown included assessment of aircraft wiring, electrical systems and circuit breakers through general and intrusive visual inspections and laboratory tests.

This specification covers all aspects in electrical wire interconnection systems (EWIS) from the selection through installation of wiring and wiring devices and optical cabling and termination devices used in aerospace vehicles. Aerospace vehicles include manned and unmanned airplanes, helicopters, lighter-than- air vehicles, missiles and external pods.

This specification covers all aspects in electrical wire interconnection systems (EWIS) from the selection through installation of wiring and wiring devices and optical cabling and termination devices used in aerospace vehicles. Aerospace vehicles include manned and unmanned airplanes, helicopters, lighter-than-air vehicles, missiles and external pods.

This specification covers all aspects in Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) from the selection through installation of wiring and wiring devices and optical cabling and termination devices used in aerospace vehicles. Aerospace vehicles include manned and unmanned airplanes, helicopters, lighter-than-air vehicles, missiles, and external pods.

This SAE Aerospace Recommend Practice (ARP) is intended to cover the external lights on fixed wing aircraft for illuminating the wing leading edge and engine nacelles and the upper surfaces of the wing. The addition of an ice detection system should be implemented when the areas to inspect are not visible from the aircraft cockpit. It is not intended that this Recommended Practice require the use of any particular light source such as Halogen, LED or other specific design of lamp.

This SAE Aerospace Recommend Practice (ARP) is intended to cover the external lights on fixed wing aircraft for illuminating the wing leading edge and nacelles and the upper surfaces of the wing. The addition of ice detection system should be implemented when the areas to inspect are not visible from the aircraft cockpit.

Newer, more capable fifth-generation aircraft platforms and systems are outgrowing even the largest U.S. Air Force training ranges – and the service believes modern simulators and virtual reality may be the answer.

This document covers military aircraft wheel and hydraulically actuated brake equipment.

This document covers military aircraft wheel and hydraulically actuated brake equipment.

This document covers military aircraft wheel and brake equipment.

This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) is to provide a recommended minimum laboratory roll performance for main landing gear aircraft wheels without tires installed and applies to both bolted and lock-ring wheel designs for FAA Part 25 and military aircraft main wheels (not required for any nose wheels or main wheels on FAA Part 23, 27 or 29 applications).

An evolutionary extension of military aircraft Built-In-Test has been developed for armament systems. This extension, Wrap-Around-Test shows promise in replacing conventional support equipment currently used to test aircraft interfaces prior to weapons loading and during system maintenance. Wrap-Around-Test offers the ability to verify weapon system integrity at a reduced cost, improved operational readiness and enhanced ergonomics.

The role of military worth in defense decisions is discussed . Military worth is defined in terms of military utility, system effectiveness, military effectiveness and system cost. These concepts are defined and examples are developed illustrating these definitions. Military effectiveness is defined to include both military utility and system effectiveness. Both these properties, since they are both influenced by uncertainties, should be made subjects of assurance activities during the concept, definition, acquisition and operational phases of the life of a weapon system.

The continuing confrontation with problems involving various facets of weapon system effectiveness has led to the establishment of a Weapon System Effectiveness Industry Advisory Committee by the Air Force Systems Command. This committee is bringing together the combined talents of selected individuals in industry and government with the objective of providing a standard technique to apprise management of current and predicted weapon system effectiveness at all phases of weapon system life. This paper describes the background leading to the creation of the committee and the approach and activities of the committee and its five task groups to date.