SPACEPHOTOS

The Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) program at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, seeks to determine the advantages of using 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 the spring of 2002. The program utilizes an F-18A wing set that was modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard 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, 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, Patuxent River, Md., and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians.