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
Runway Lead-in Light System Runway Lead-in Light System Consists of one or more series of flashing lights installed at or near ground level that provides positive visual guidance a>[...]
Aero Linx: Aviation Without Borders Aviation Without Borders uses its aviation expertise, contacts and partnerships to enable support for children and their families – at hom>[...]
Dave Juwel's Aviation Marketing Stories ITBOA BNITBOB ... what does that mean? It's not gibberish, it's a lengthy acronym for "In The Business Of Aviation ... But Not In The Busine>[...]
From 2010 (YouTube Version): Yeah.... This IS A Really Cool Job When ANN's Nathan Cremisino took over the lead of our Aero-TV teams, he knew he was in for some extra work and a lot>[...]
Also: Junkers A50 Heritage, Montaer Grows, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Vans' Latest Officially, the Carbon Cub UL and Rotax 916 iS is now in its 'market survey development phase'>[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (04.24.24): Runway Lead-in Light System
See All