Browse All : Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) from 2002 and March, 2005

Structural loads testing on …

Photo Date	March 15, 2001

NASA aircraft technician Don …

Project Description	The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians.
Photo Date	March 21, 2002

This modified F/A-18A sporting a distinctive red, white and blue paint scheme is the test aircraft for the Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California.

This modified F/A-18A is the …

Photo Description	This modified F/A-18A sporting a distinctive red, white and blue paint scheme is the test aircraft for the Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California.
Project Description	The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians.
Photo Date	October 24, 2001

This modified F/A-18A with i …

Project Description	The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians.
Photo Date	October 24, 2001

NASA aircraft technician Don …

Project Description	The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians.
Photo Date	March 21, 2002

The modified F/A-18 being fl …

Project Description	The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians.
Photo Date	November 15, 2002

NASA 853, a modified former Navy F/A-18A fighter plane, is now performing research duties in the Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards AFB, California.

NASA 853, a modified former …

Photo Description	NASA 853, a modified former Navy F/A-18A fighter plane, is now performing research duties in the Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards AFB, California.
Project Description	The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians.
Photo Date	February 7, 2003

The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians.

NASA Dryden technicians (Dav …

Photo Description	The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians.
Project Description	The AAW program seeks to determine the advantages of twisting flexible wings for primary maneuvering roll control at transonic and supersonic speeds, with traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps used to induce the twist. The program intends to develop data and structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. AAW flight tests are due to begin in late 2002. The program uses wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor.
Photo Date	August 22, 2002

A thin rod is all that is needed to transmit vibrations from a shaker device (at bottom) and the wingtip of the Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18 research aircraft during ground vibration testing at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center. Wiring hanging down from the wingtip launcher rail transfer signals from accelerometers and other sensors mounted on the wing's upper surface to monitoring equipment. The tests help engineers determine if aerodynamically induced vibrations are controlled or suppressed during flight, and were the last major ground tests prior to the initiation of research flights.

A thin rod is all that is ne …

Photo Description	A thin rod is all that is needed to transmit vibrations from a shaker device (at bottom) and the wingtip of the Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18 research aircraft during ground vibration testing at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center. Wiring hanging down from the wingtip launcher rail transfer signals from accelerometers and other sensors mounted on the wing's upper surface to monitoring equipment. The tests help engineers determine if aerodynamically induced vibrations are controlled or suppressed during flight, and were the last major ground tests prior to the initiation of research flights.
Project Description	The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians.
Photo Date	August 22, 2002

How differential deflection …

Project Description	The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians.
Photo Date	November 15, 2002

The upper wing surfaces of the Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18 test aircraft are covered with accelerometers and other sensors during ground vibration tests at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. An electro-mechanical shaker device (blue cylinder at lower right) generates vibrations into the airframe during the tests, which help engineers determine if aerodynamically induced vibrations are controlled or suppressed during flight. The tests were the last major ground tests prior to the initiation of research flights.

The upper wing surfaces of t …

Photo Description	The upper wing surfaces of the Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18 test aircraft are covered with accelerometers and other sensors during ground vibration tests at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. An electro-mechanical shaker device (blue cylinder at lower right) generates vibrations into the airframe during the tests, which help engineers determine if aerodynamically induced vibrations are controlled or suppressed during flight. The tests were the last major ground tests prior to the initiation of research flights.
Project Description	The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians.
Photo Date	August 22, 2002

With landing gear and flaps down, NASA Dryden's Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18A research aircraft rolls towards final approach to the Edwards Air Force Base runway at the end of a test flight.

Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A- …

Photo Description	With landing gear and flaps down, NASA Dryden's Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18A research aircraft rolls towards final approach to the Edwards Air Force Base runway at the end of a test flight.
Project Description	The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians.
Photo Date	February 7, 2003

NASA's Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18A research aircraft rolls upside down during a 360-degree aileron roll on a test mission.

NASA's Active Aeroelastic Wi …

Photo Description	NASA's Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18A research aircraft rolls upside down during a 360-degree aileron roll on a test mission.
Project Description	The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians.
Photo Date	February 7, 2003

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Browse All : Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) from 2002 and March, 2005