Innovative Control Effectors for Hypersonic Vehicles

Dynetics proposes to initiate a study to investigate the potential benefits of applying a lattice control surface technology to hypersonic vehicles as a means to improve aircraft performance and operating efficiency. Under the Phase I effert, Dynetics will develop preliminary designs of generic lattice control surface concepts suitable for use on various types of hypersonic vehicles. Dynetics will use aerodynamic prediction techniques it has previously developed and applied as the basis for designing and evaluating the aerodynamic characteristics of various lattice control surface concepts. Experimental data which have been obtained on missile lattice control surface designs will be used, where applicable, to identify critical aerodynamic design parameters. In addition, Dynetics will formulate a wind tunnel test plan necessary to evaluate the aerodynamic properties and flow field characteristics of these concepts under the cost constraints of a follow-on Phase II effort. The test plan will recomment wind tunnel facilities, specify test hardware and instrumentation requirements, and provide a matrix of recommended test configurations and conditions. The concept designs and test plans which are developed under the Phase I effort will serve as the starting point for a Phase II experimental investigation program.