SPACEPHOTOS

NASA Dryden Flight Research Center's modified F-16XL conducts testing on laminar flow during an Oct. 1996 research mission over the Grand Canyon. The research being conducted involves a delta-winged F-16XL modified with a ''glove'' which is made of titanium. The glove contains more than 10 million holes and has a suction system attached to the lower surface which is comprised of tubes, valves and a compressor. During research flight the suction systems pulls a small part of the boundary layer of air through the glove's porous surface to create laminar (or smooth) air flow. Researchers believe that laminar flow conditions can reduce aerodynamic drag (friction) and contribute to reduced operating costs by improving fuel consumption and lowering aircraft weight. This Supersonic Laminar Flow Control (SLFC) experiment represents a collaborative effort between NASA and aerospace industry (specifically Boeing, Rockwell, and McDonnell Douglas), with Boeing assembling the panel and McDonnell Douglas designing the suction system.