A small, radio-controlled aircraft as a platform for meteorological sensors
Radio controlled small aircraft as measurement platform for meteorological sensors, discussing development and performance from field tests
Hill, M. L.↗
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Radio Controlled for Research
This video presents how Dryden engineers use radio-controlled aircraft such as the 1/8-scale model F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) featured to conduct flight research.
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Free-Flight Investigation of Radio Controlled Models with Parawings
A free-flight investigation of two radio-controlled models with parawings, a glider configuration and an airplane (powered) configuration, was made to evaluate the performance, stability, and methods of controlling parawing vehicles. The flight tests showed that the models were stable and could be controlled either by shifting the center of gravity or by using conventional elevator and rudder control surfaces. Static wind-tunnel force-test data were also obtained.
Hewes, Donald E.↗
Operational and research aspects of a radio-controlled model flight test program
The operational and research aspects of a subscale, radio-controlled model flight test program are presented. By using low-cost free-flying models, an approach was developed for obtaining research-quality vehicle performance and aerodynamic information. The advantages and limitations learned by applying this approach to a specific flight test program are described. The research quality of the data acquired shows that model flight testing is practical for obtaining consistent and repeatable flight data.
Budd, Gerald D.↗
Operational and research aspects of a radio-controlled model flight test program
The operational and research aspects of a subscale, radio-controlled model flight test program are presented. By using low-cost free-flying models, an approach was developed for obtaining research-quality vehicle performance and aerodynamic information. The advantages and limitations learned by applying this approach to a specific flight test program are described. The research quality of the data acquired shows that model flight testing is practical for obtaining consistent repeatable flight data.
Budd, Gerald D.↗
Flight tests of a radio-controlled airplane mode with a free-wing, free-canard configuration
Flight characteristics, controllability, and potential operating problems were investigated in a radio-controlled airplane model in which the wing is so attached to the fuselage that it is free to pivot about a spanwise axis forward of its aerodynamic center and is subject only to aerodynamic pitching moments imposed by lift and drag forces and a control surface. A simple technique of flying the test vehicle in formation with a pickup truck was used to obtain trim data. The test vehicle was flown through a series of maneuvers designed to permit evaluation of certain characteristics by observation. The free-wing free-canard concept was determined to be workable. Stall/spin characteristics were considered to be excellent, and no effect on longitudinal stability was observed when center of gravity changes were made. Several problems were encountered during the early stages of flight testing, such as aerodynamic lockup of the free canard and excessive control sensitivity. Lack of onboard instrumentation precluded any conclusions about gust alleviation or ride qualities.
Gee, S. W.↗
Radio-controlled, sound-operated switch
Switch presently provides remote control switching, by radio signals, or pollution sampling devices. Can be used for remote weather station interrogation, firing of pyrotechnics, control of dangerous equipment, or control of device in location where it is impractical to run metallic conductors because of time limitations, distance, or terrain.
Bryant, T. D.↗
A technique for displaying flight information in the field of view of binoculars for use by the pilots of radio controlled models
A display system was developed to provide flight information to the ground based pilots of radio controlled models used in flight research programs. The display system utilizes data received by telemetry from the model, and presents the information numerically in the field of view of the binoculars used by the pilots.
Fuller, H. V.↗
Radio-controlled model design and testing techniques for stall/spin evaluation of general-aviation aircraft
A relatively inexpensive radio-controlled model stall/spin test technique was developed. Operational experiences using the technique are presented. A discussion of model construction techniques, spin-recovery parachute system, data recording system, and movie camera tracking system is included. Also discussed are a method of measuring moments of inertia, scaling of engine thrust, cost and time required to conduct a program, and examples of the results obtained from the flight tests.
Burk, S. M., Jr.↗
Large-Angle Motion Tests, Including Spins, of A Free-Flying Radio-Controlled 0.13-Scale Model of A Twin Jet Swept Wing Fighter Airplane
An investigation has been conducted with a free-flying radio-controlled 0.15-scale model of a twin-jet swept-wing fighter airplane to determine the tendency of this design to enter spins and to evaluate the nature of the spin obtained from post-stall motions. The test results indicate that it may be difficult to obtain a developed spin on the airplane, particularly the flat-type spin. Two types of erect developed spins will be possible; one will be flat and fast rotating from which recovery may not be obtained and the other will be steeper and oscillatory from which recoveries will be satisfactory. Controls will be effective for satisfactory termination of the post-stall gyrations obtained. The recommended recovery technique from both post-stall gyrations and developed spins will be movement of the rudder to oppose the yawing rotation and simultaneous movement of the ailerons to with the rotation (stick right when turning to the right). When recovery is imminent, the stick should be moved longitudinally to neutral. It is recommended that the spin not be allowed to develop fully on this airplane. The developed-spin results obtained in the investigation were in good agreement with spin-tunnel results.
Sanger M Burk, Jr↗
Use of the updated NASA Langley radio-controlled drop-model technique for high-alpha studies of the X-29A configuration
This paper presents an overview of the radio-controlled drop-model technique used for low-speed flight dynamics research at the NASA Langley Research Center. The overall test methodology is reviewed and the major elements of the system are discussed including model construction and equipment, the closed-loop control system, and the flight test facility. To illustrate the capabilities of the technique, selected results from an ongoing program to study the high-angle-of-attack flight dynamics of the X-29A configuration are reviewed. Three research areas are highlighted: motion prediction, control system effects, and motion analysis and modeling. Finally, several current upgrades to the overall technique are discussed along with the enhanced test capability that they will provide.
Fratello, David J.↗
Subsonic Flight Tests of a 1/7-Scale Radio-Controlled Model of the North American X-15 Airplane with Particular Reference to High Angel-of-Attack Conditions
An investigation of the subsonic stability and control characteristics of an unpowered 1/7-scale model based on the North American X-15 airplane was conducted by using a radio-controlled model launched from a helicopter and flown in free-gliding flight. At angles of attack below about 20 deg. where the model motions represent those of the X-15 airplane, the model was found to be both longitudinally and laterally stable, and the all-movable tail surfaces were found to be very effective. The model could also be flown at much higher angles of attack where the model motions did not necessarily represent those of the airplane because of slight geometrical differences and Reynolds number effects, but these test results are useful in evaluating the effectiveness at these angles of the type of lateral control system used in the X-15 airplane. In some cases, the model was flown to angles of attack as high as 60 or 70 deg. without encountering divergent or uncontrollable conditions. For some flights in which the model was subjected to rapid maneuvers, spinning motions were generated by application of corrective controls to oppose the direction of rotation. Rapid recoveries from this type of motion were achieved by applying roll control in the direction of rotation.
Hewes, Donald E.↗
Correlation study of theoretical and experimental results for spin tests of a 1/10 scale radio control model
A correlation study was conducted to determine the ability of current analytical spin prediction techniques to predict the flight motions of a current fighter airplane configuration during the spin entry, the developed spin, and the spin recovery motions. The airplane math model used aerodynamics measured on an exact replica of the flight test model using conventional static and forced-oscillation wind-tunnel test techniques and a recently developed rotation-balance test apparatus capable of measuring aerodynamics under steady spinning conditions. An attempt was made to predict the flight motions measured during stall/spin flight testing of an unpowered, radio-controlled model designed to be a 1/10 scale, dynamically-scaled model of a current fighter configuration. Comparison of the predicted and measured flight motions show that while the post-stall and spin entry motions were not well-predicted, the developed spinning motion (a steady flat spin) and the initial phases of the spin recovery motion are reasonably well predicted.
Bihrle, W., Jr.↗
Miniature flow-direction and airspeed sensor for airplanes and radio controlled models in spin studies
A miniature flow direction and airspeed sensor was developed for use on 1/10- to 1/15 scale models and on full-scale airplanes engaged in spin research. The range of flow angles encountered in spinning flight (+ or - 120 degrees in angle of attack and + or - 55 degrees in sideslip) is larger than that of normal flight. These angles, along with an effective airspeed range of 9 to 90 m/sec, were measured with static accuracies of + or - 0.35 degrees for angle of attack, + or - 0.25 degrees for sideslip angle, and + or - 1 m/sec for airspeed. The dynamic accuracy is adequate to measure the rapidly changing flow angles and airspeed without singificant distortion. The sensor is rugged enough to withstand both the airplane environment and that of the radio-controlled, unpowered models.
Kershner, D. D.↗
Static Wind-Tunnel and Radio-Controlled Flight Test Investigation of a Remotely Piloted Vehicle Having a Delta Wing Planform
At the request of the United States Marine Corps, an exploratory wind-tunnel and flight test investigation was conducted by the Flight Dynamics Branch at the NASA Langley Research Center to improve the stability, controllability, and general flight characteristics of the Marine Corps Exdrone RPV (Remotely Piloted Vehicle) configuration. Static wind tunnel tests were conducted in the Langley 12 foot Low Speed Wind Tunnel to identify and improve the stability and control characteristics of the vehicle. The wind tunnel test resulted in several configuration modifications which included increased elevator size, increased vertical tail size and tail moment arm, increased rudder size and aileron size, the addition of vertical wing tip fins, and the addition of leading-edge droops on the outboard wing panel to improve stall departure resistance. Flight tests of the modified configuration were conducted at the NASA Plum Tree Test Site to provide a qualitative evaluation of the flight characteristics of the modified configuration.
Yip, Long P.↗
Aerodynamic Tests of an AN-M-65-AZON 1000-pound Radio-controlled Bomb in the LMAL 16-foot High-speed Tunnel
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Pearson, E O , Jr↗
NASA advanced design program. Design and analysis of a radio-controlled flying wing aircraft
The main challenge of this project was to design an aircraft that will achieve stability while flying without a horizontal tail. The project focused on both the design, analysis and construction of a remotely piloted, elliptical shaped flying wing. The design team was composed of four sub-groups each of which dealt with the different aspects of the design, namely aerodynamics, stability and control, propulsion, and structures. Each member of the team initially researched the background information pertaining to specific facets of the project. Since previous work on this topic was limited, most of the focus of the project was directed towards developing an understanding of the natural instability of the aircraft. Once the design team entered the conceptual stage of the project, a series of compromises had to be made to satisfy the unique requirements of each sub-group. As a result of the numerous calculations and iterations necessary, computers were utilized extensively. In order to visualize the design and layout of the wing, engines and control surfaces, a solid modeling package was used to evaluate optimum design placements. When the design was finalized, construction began with the help of all the members of the project team. The nature of the carbon composite construction process demanded long hours of manual labor. The assembly of the engine systems also required precision hand work. The final product of this project is the Elang, a one-of-a-kind remotely piloted aircraft of composite construction powered by two ducted fan engines.
Source record↗
Adapting Radio Control [RC) Models for Research Roles (158308)
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) have show to be useful for numerous observations that can be helpful in Earth science research and related applications. The potential benefits of small instrumented platforms operated within line-of-sight include high spatial resolution, quick response, minimum environmental impact, and affordability, Results to date suggest there is a strong future for small UASs operated for research and environmental monitoring purposes. For example, there is clearly significant potential for observations suitable for agricultural research and production activities. Local scale atmospheric measurements can be helpful in our understanding of water and carbon cycle processes, as well as provide monitoring of key environmental factors such as carbon dioxide and ozone. Recent work has included an emphasis on remote sensing coastal observations, w3h an eye towards related measurements in the polar regions. Specific elements associated with successfully utilizing these small airborne systems include mission definition, sensors and data systems, platform subsystems, airspace access and training.
Bland, Geoffrey L.↗