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
Hazardous Weather Information Summary of significant meteorological information (SIGMET/WS), convective significant meteorological information (convective SIGMET/WST), urgent pilot>[...]
Aero Linx: The T-6 Racing Association The T-6 Racing Association is all about T-6‘s and racing. Our mission is to bring great racing to our fans in Reno and other venues wher>[...]
Also: Electra Aero, AMO-CBP v Smugglers, Naval King Airs, Boeing Deal To the surprise of everyone involved, Waco Kitchen shut down both airport operations with little warning and h>[...]
Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with>[...]
Also: Virgin Galactic, B-29 Doc to Allentown, Erickson Fire-Fighters Bought, FAA Reauthorization After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to disco>[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (05.07.24): Hazardous Weather Information
See All