Two highly maneuverable aircraft technology (HiMAT) remotely piloted vehicles were flown a total of 26 flights. These subscale vehicles were of advanced aerodynamic configuration with advanced technology concepts such as composite and metallic structures, digital integrated propulsion control, and ground (primary) and airborne (backup) relaxed static stability, digital fly-by-wire control systems. Extensive systems development, checkout, and flight qualification were required to conduct the flight test program. The design maneuver goal was to achieve a sustained 8-g turn at Mach 0.9 at an altitude of 25,000 feet. This goal was achieved, along with the acquisition of high-quality flight data at subsonic and supersonic Mach numbers. Control systems were modified in a variety of ways using the flight-determined aerodynamic characteristics. The HiMAT program was successfully completed with approximately 11 hours of total flight time.
Flight Control Systems Development and Flight Test Experience with the HiMAT (Highly Maneuverable Aircraft Technology) Research Vehicles
1988
88 pages
Report
No indication
English
Aircraft , Avionics , Flight control , Flight tests , Highly maneuverable aircraft , Remotely piloted vehicles , Research aircraft , Digital systems , Scale models , Aerodynamic characteristics , Composite structures , Fly by wire control , Mach number , Static stability , Subsonic speed , Supersonic speed