Since it is simultaneously an orbital spacecraft and aircraft, the Buran combines the qualities of a satellite and an aircraft. One of the basic problems was that of attaining aerodynamic characteristics that would ensure performance of the missions in all sections of the flight during the descent from space. Wind tunnel tests, tests in airborne prototypes, and precise calculation techniques have made possible determination of the airframe aerodynamic characteristics. Development of the Heat-Resistant Vacuum Chamber for testing the thermal protection system is discussed. The impact of nondestructive tests, computer aided design, computer aided operation monitoring systems, automated tooling, and the automated quality assurance systems are briefly examined. Tests of the Buran have become a test of the scientific and technical arsenal.


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    Shuttle orbiter vibroacoustics

    Colonna, R. A. / Mccutchen, D. K. / Allen, H. C. et al. | NTRS | 1979


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