Mon, Mar 05, 2012
UAV Will Be Used In Aircraft Configuration Research
The Air Force Research Laboratory was recently awarded an
X-Plane designation for a vehicle that will be used to explore
active control of lightweight, aerodynamically-efficient aircraft
configurations. The X-56A is an innovative, modular, unmanned fight
research vehicle that will allow investigation of active flutter
suppression and gust load alleviation technology.
Flutter is an instability that can occur when unsteady
aerodynamic loads acting on a wing couple with its natural
vibration modes, often resulting in catastrophic failures. The
research to be conducted with the X-56A is critical for the
successful development of future slender, lightweight, high aspect
ratio wing designs that could be used by energy efficient transport
and unmanned aircraft.
The X-56A, also known as the Multi-Utility Technology Testbed
(MUTT) flight demonstrator, is a product of the AFRL-led
Multi-Utility Aeroelastic Demonstration (MAD) program. This program
is a joint effort between AFRL's Air Vehicles Directorate, NASA
Dryden and Lockheed Martin.
The X-56A is powered by twin JetCat P240 turbojets, has a
28-foot wing span, weighs 480 pounds, and is designed and
constructed for easy wing replacement to enable testing of various
flexible wing configurations. An additional hard point is being
designed into the center of aft upper deck of the fuselage for
mounting an additional third engine or a structural member to
support testing of joined wing configurations. These
characteristics will allow the testing of a wide range of advanced
aerodynamic concepts. The X-56A will exhibit multiple rigid body
and aeroelastic instabilities within its flight envelope, which
will be actively managed by its flight control system.
The first X-56A flight is scheduled for summer 2012. Following
Air Force flight testing, the X-56A will be used by NASA's Dryden
Flight Research Center for their continuing research into
lightweight structures and advanced technologies for future
low-emissions transport aircraft.
More News
Light Gun A handheld directional light signaling device which emits a brilliant narrow beam of white, green, or red light as selected by the tower controller. The color and type of>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: JAARS, Inc. For decades now, we’ve landed planes on narrow rivers and towering mountains. We’ve outfitted boats and vehicles to reach villages that rarely se>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]
Aircraft Conflict Predicted conflict, within EDST of two aircraft, or between aircraft and airspace. A Red alert is used for conflicts when the predicted minimum separation is 5 na>[...]