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Aerodynamic and acoustic flight test results for the stratospheric observatory for infrared astronomy
| Content Provider | NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) |
|---|---|
| Author | Frederick, Michael A. Cumming, Stephen B. Smith, Mark S. Cliatt Sr., Larry James |
| Copyright Year | 2013 |
| Description | As part of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) program, a 747SP airplane was modified to carry a 2.5 meter telescope in the aft section of the fuselage. The resulting airborne observatory allows for observations above 99 percent of the water vapor in the atmosphere. The open cavity created by the modifications had the potential to significantly affect the airplane in the areas of aerodynamics and acoustics. Several series of flight tests were conducted to clear the airplanes operating envelope for astronomical observations, planned to be performed between the altitudes of 39,000 feet and 45,000 feet. The flight tests were successfully completed. Cavity acoustics were below design limits, and the overall acoustic characteristics of the cavity were better than expected. The modification did have some effects on the stability and control of the airplane, but these effects were not significant. Airplane air data systems were not affected by the modifications. This paper describes the methods used to examine the aerodynamics and acoustic data from the flight tests and provides a discussion of the flight test results in the areas of cavity acoustics, stability and control, and air data. |
| File Size | 3651761 |
| Page Count | 31 |
| File Format | |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | http://archive.org/details/NASA_NTRS_Archive_20140008932 |
| Archival Resource Key | ark:/13960/t5m956z8n |
| Language | English |
| Publisher Date | 2013-08-19 |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Subject Keyword | Sofia Aero-acoustics Parameter Estimation Flight Tests Air Data Systems Aircraft Stability Boeing 747 Aircraft Sofia Airborne Observatory Wind Tunnel Tests Telescopes Aerodynamics Aircraft Design Aeroacoustics Aircraft Control Ntrs Nasa Technical Reports Server (ntrs) Nasa Technical Reports Server Aircraft Aerospace Engineering Aerospace Aeronautic Space Science |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
