Modular and Adaptive System for Braking of Hypersonic Test Track Sleds

The world land-speed record holder, the Holloman High Speed Test Track (HHSTT) facility, provides the ability to conduct hypersonic technology testing with the benefits of both flight testing and ground test facilities. Using an analysis-driven design approach, ATA Engineering will develop a nondestructive braking system technology for decelerating HHSTT test sleds that will enable increased speed and duration beyond what can currently be achieved with recoverable sled tests. Modeling and simulation will be used to tailor an optimal hypersonic sled braking solution based on eddy current brakes, deployable aerodynamic braking devices, or a combination of the two. The eddy current braking system concept will be based on the induction braking systems used in acceleration and deceleration of theme park vehicles. Design of the deployable aerodynamic braking system concept will explore two potential mechanisms: small, rigid braking surfaces and inflatable decelerators. Multiphysics simulations will be used to analyze the nondestructive braking method concepts to assess which method (or combination of methods) is best suited for a given sled test configuration. In Phase I, these simulations will inform optimization of the selected concept, which will be evolved into a functional prototype for operational test and evaluation in Phase II.