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X-31 quasi-tailless flight demonstrationThe primary objective of the quasi-tailless flight demonstration is to demonstrate the feasibility of using thrust vectoring for directional control of an unstable aircraft. By using this low-cost, low-risk approach it is possible to get information about required thrust vector control power and deflection rates from an inflight experiment as well as insight in low-power thrust vectoring issues. The quasi-tailless flight demonstration series with the X-31 began in March 1994. The demonstration flight condition was Mach 1.2 at 37,500 feet. A series of basic flying quality maneuvers, doublets, bank to bank rolls, and wind-up-turns have been performed with a simulated 100% vertical tail reduction. Flight test and supporting simulation demonstrated that the quasi-tailless approach is effective in representing the reduced stability of tailless configurations. The flights also demonstrated that thrust vectoring could be effectively used to stabilize a directionally unstable configuration and provide control power for maneuver coordination.
Document ID
19950007829
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Huber, Peter (Deutsche Aerospace A.G. Munich, Germany)
Schellenger, Harvey G. (Deutsche Aerospace A.G. Munich, Germany)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Dryden Flight Research Center, Fourth High Alpha Conference, Volume 2
Subject Category
Aerodynamics
Accession Number
95N14243
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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IDRelationTitle19950007815Collected WorksFourth High Alpha Conference: Volume 1
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