SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AEROSPACE REPORTS
A Biweekly Publication of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
VOLUME 44, ISSUE 12 - JUNE 20, 2006
05 AIRCRAFT DESIGN, TESTING AND PERFORMANCE
Includes all stages of design of aircraft and aircraft structures and systems.
Also includes aircraft testing, performance and evaluation, and aircraft and flight simulation technology.
For related information see also 18 Spacecraft Design, Testing and Performance and 39 Structural Mechanics.
For land transportation vehicles see 85 Technology Utilization and Surface Transportation.
20060014130 Air Force Research Lab., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH USA
Application of Cognitive Task Analysis in User Requirements and Prototype Design Presentation/Briefing
Curtis, Christopher K; Randall, Christian E; Tidball, Brian; Bachmann, Scott; Stimson, Darryl; Kancler, David E; Gorman, Megan E; McWesler, Mary; Oct 2005; 24 pp.; In English Report No.(s): AD-A441401; AFRL-HE-WP-TP-2005-0039; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA441401; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
The goal of Aircraft Maintenance Intuitive Troubleshooting (AMIT) is to create job-aiding software, compatible with existing computer systems that will tell maintenance technicians what is really wrong with aircraft faster and more accurately than ever before. DTIC
Maintenance; Mental Performance; Prototypes; Software Development Tools; Tasks; User Requirements
20060014140 Army Research Lab., Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD USA
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Human Factors Assessment of the UH-60M Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) Crew Station During the Limited User Evaluation (LEUE)
Havir, Thomas J; Durbin, David B; Frederick, Lorraine J; Dec 2005; 96 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Contract(s)/Grant(s): Proj-62716AH70 Report No.(s): AD-A441422; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA441422; Avail.: CASI: A05, Hardcopy
The UH-60M Product Office requested the U.S. Army Research Laboratory's (ARL's) Human Research and Engineering Directorate to participate in the Limited Early User Evaluation (LEUE) of the CommonAvionics Architecture System (CAAS cockpit. ARL conducted a human factors evaluation (HFE) during the LEUE, which assessed workload, situation awareness, simulator sickness, pilot-vehicle interface (PVI), and eye tracker data. The data were used to identify characteristics of the CAAS cockpit that enhance or degrade pilot performance. Characteristics that degrade pilot performance should be considered for design changes at the earliest opportunity.
Three utility helicopter (UH)-60 crews (six pilots) each conducted three mission scenarios for a total of nine flights. The three missions consisted of flights in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), instrumented meteorological conditions (IMC), and tactical conditions. The pilots completed the simulator sickness questionnaire before and after each flight. They completed the Bedford Workload Rating Scale, Situation Awareness (SA) Rating Technique, and the PVI Questionnaire after each mission. In addition to pilot data, a tactical steering committee (TSC) was used to perform an independent assessment of workload, situation awareness, and mission success. The TSC completed a survey after each mission. The data were analyzed with the use of the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test to compare pilot ratings between seat position and results between instrument flight rule (IFR) and visual flight rule (VFR) flights. The mean workload rating for all tasks was 3.10, indicating that the pilots typically had enough workload capacity for all desirable additional tasks. The mean situation awareness rating provided by the pilots was 25.84. This SA rating indicates that the pilots felt they had moderate levels of situation awareness during the missions. DTIC
Avionics; Crew Workstations; Display Devices; Flight Crews; Helicopters; Human Factors Engineering
20060014176 Defence Science and Technology Organisation, Victoria, Australia
Structural Risk Assessment of RAAF B707 Lower Wing Stringers
Dixon, B; Jul 2005; 70 pp.; In English Report No.(s): AD-A441550; DSTO-TR-1741; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA441550; Avail.: CASI: A04, Hardcopy
This report details a structural risk assessment of the critical lower wing stringers in RAAF B707 aircraft. The analysis uses condition data from sampling inspections of RAAF aircraft to describe possible cracking of these stringers in the fleet. It then uses crack growth and load exceedance data that has been adapted from a USAF risk assessment of the B707 to predict the future probability of failure of the B707 lower wing. DTIC
Airframes; Assessments; Crack Propagation; Risk; Stringers; Wings
20060014271 Rand Arroyo Center, Santa Monica, CA USA
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High-Altitude Airships for the Future Force Army
Jamison, Lewis; Sommer, Geoffrey S; Porche, III, Isaac R; Jan 2005; 66 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Contract(s)/Grant(s): DASW01-01-C-0003 Report No.(s): AD-A440454; XA-CIO/G6; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA440454; Avail.: CASI: A04, Hardcopy
Across the services, there is an increasing demand for overhead communications capacity. For the U.S. Army, this is a result of its transition to a new force structure that will be knowledge-based and network-centric. Future forces may be more dispersed. Extending their range of communication will be key. Messages will have to be relayed through a multilayered network of terrestrial-, air-, and space-based retransmission nodes. Currently, satellite communications (SATCOM) is being relied on to connect distant units. However, the exclusive use of military or commercial SATCOM may not be available to meet all of the Army's connectivity needs, and high-altitude airships (HAAs) are being considered as an optional surrogate, which could be even more cost-effective if proved technically feasible. New, lighter-than-air (LTA) vehicles that operate at very high altitudes have an obvious attraction for planners of surveillance and communication missions; the ability to see to a more distant horizon results in greatly expanded surveillance volumes (assuming that appropriately powerful sensors are carried onboard). Low probability of intercept (LPI) direct line-of-sight communications will also increase their reach.
In recent years, increased emphasis has been placed on systems that can provide extended surveillance and communications support at such high altitudes. These are generically known as High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) systems or High Altitude Long Loiter (HALL) systems. The Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was perhaps the first of these systems to achieve operational success. Flight at high altitude (say, over 60,000 feet) for extended periods (for a matter of days or more) is an extreme technical challenge for fixed-wing aircraft. The purpose of this report is to inform the U.S. Army about the usefulness and limitations of airships in roles of supporting communications and surveillance functions in theater battlespace. DTIC
Airships; Communication Networks; High Altitude; Risk; Surveillance
20060014279 Air War Coll., Maxwell AFB, AL USA
F-15A Versus F/A-22 Initial Operational Capability. A Case for Transformation
Mott V, William H; Nov 2005; 54 pp.; In English Report No.(s): AD-A441696; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA441696; Avail.: CASI: A04, Hardcopy
The F/A-22 Raptor is a new weapons system replacing- the F-15C Eagle. Its operational debut in 2005 comes at a time of constrained budgets, a changing global threat environment, and the ongoing global war on terrorism (GWOT). Because of the current security environment, the aircraft's more than 15 years of development, and the close scrutiny of the F/A-22's test and evaluation (T&E) program, the US Air Force needs the Raptor's initial operational capability (IOC) status to be successful. One means of achieving this is to recognize and implement the lessons learned from America's current air superiority fighter, the F-15 Eagle. And just perhaps the overall effect might be to challenge the US Air Force's approach to major weapons-system development. The F/A-22's development, testing, and IOC declaration at Langley AFB, Virginia, in December 2005 closely parallels the F-15A's experience of 29 years ago. This paper provides background information on both aircraft, their T&E processes, and their first operational assignments to Langley AFB. Comparisons are made, differences highlighted, and recommendations offered. While it may appeal that everything about the F/A-22 is new, the path to its IOC is well worn. A fresh look at F-15A development yields valuable insights for emerging twenty-first-century USAF weapons systems. Surprisingly, the overall lessons of the F-15A in 1976 still apply to the F/A-22 of 2005. DTIC
Fighter Aircraft; Weapon Systems
20060014280 Optomec Design Co., Albuquerque, NM USA
Laser-Based Repair System Reclaims High Value Military Components
Plourde, Richard; Jun 1, 2004; 5 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A441707; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA441707; Avail.: CASI: A01, Hardcopy
No abstract available
Laser Welding; Lasers; Maintenance; Military Technology.
20060014283 Air Force Research Lab., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH USA
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Control of an Unstable, Nonminimum Phase Hypersonic Vehicle
Oppenheimer, Michael W; Doman, David E; Oct 2005; 21 pp.; In English Report No.(s): AD-A441723; AFRL-VA-WP-TP-2005-304; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA441723; Avail.: Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC)
In this work, a control law for an unstable, nonminimum phase model of a hypersonic vehicle is developed. The control problem is difficult due to the locations of the plant poles and zeros. For an unstable system, feedback is required to stabilize the plant. However, one cannot make the loop gains arbitrarily large without driving one or more of the closed-loop poles into the right-half of the s-plane, since the system is nonminimum phase. Thus, there is a limited range of feedback gain that results in a stable system. The nonminimum phase behavior also places restrictions on the closed-loop bandwidth. For the hypersonic vehicle control problem, low frequency control is desired and a rule of thumb is that the closed- loop bandwidth must be less than one-half the right-half plane zero location. A right-half plane zero located in the region of the desired gain-crossover frequency makes it impossible to achieve the desired level of tracking performance. The achievable closed-loop bandwidth might be so small that adequate control of the system is not achieved. Direct cancellation of the right-half plane zero with an unstable pole in the controller is not an option. In this work, a modified dynamic inversion controller is developed for a linear, time-invariant model of a hypersonic vehicle. This modified dynamic inversion controller differs from the standard dynamic inversion approach in that it does not attempt to cancel the right-half plane zero with a pole, instead, it retains right-half plane zeros in the closed-loop transfer functions and uses an additional feedback loop to stabilize the zero dynamics. DTIC
Aerodynamic Characteristics; Feedback Control; Hypersonic Vehicles; Inversions
20060014305 Defence Science and Technology Organisation, Victoria, Australia
The History of Structural Fatigue Testing at Fishermans Bend Australia
Molent, L; Oct 2005; 70 pp.; In English Report No.(s): AD-A441814; DSTO-TR-1773; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA441814; Avail.: CASI: A04, Hardcopy
This report presents the history of fatigue research at DSTO's Fishermans Bend Australia facility from the early days in the 1940s when Mr. H.A. Wills, Head of the then Structures Division, foresaw with remarkable insight the impending danger of fatigue in aircraft structures. He presented an historic paper at the Second International Aeronautical Conference in 1949 and instituted a comprehensive programme of research on the fatigue of materials and structures which was vindicated within the next decade as fatigue failures began to plague first civil and then military aircraft fleets world wide. DSTO is still a leading world authority on the fatigue of aircraft structures, as many of these research programmes have won international recognition and as fatigue investigations expeditiously undertaken for the RAAF (and at times Civil authorities) have supplied valuable information to the aircraft manufacturers, operators and researchers. DTIC
Airframes; Australia; Fatigue (Materials); Fatigue Tests; Structural Analysis
20060014318 Army Research Lab., Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD USA
Unmanned Aerial System, New System Manning Prediction
Hunn, Bruce P; Jan 2006; 97 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Contract(s)/Grant(s): Proj-62716AH70 Report No.(s): AD-A441886; ARL-TR-3702; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA441886; Avail.: CASI: A05, Hardcopy
This study examined historical, laboratory, field, and unmanned aerial system (UAS) model data to develop a manning estimate for a new, long range, Army UAS. System safety and effectiveness, training, contractor operations and working conditions were evaluated for current UASs, including Hunter, Shadow, Predator, Improved Gnat, and to a lesser degree, Pioneer, Hermes, and Global Hawk. Information was collected from training and operational personnel and included questionnaire data, improved performance research integration (IMPRINT) modeling efforts, mathematical modeling as well as subject matter expert opinions on the issues of manning for current UASs and projections for the new UAS. A review was also made of the system specifications for Shadow, Hunter, and a newly proposed UAS in regard to existing or proposed capabilities that would affect manning levels. Lessons learned were obtained from operationally deployed UAS personnel in order to understand the applied manning levels, which sustained combat operations versus specification levels. Safety, as well as accident and incident, information was reviewed for fielded systems, and lessons learned that apply to manning levels were discussed and incorporated into the recommendations and conclusions. Conclusions and recommendations for the new system are included and cover military manning levels, contractor participation, as well as suggested improvements regarding manning efficiency and UAS operations enhancement. Manning metrics for the new system were derived and baseline and spiral development manning levels were recommended. DTIC
Drone Vehicles; Manpower
20060014459 Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, CA USA
Unmanned Systems Network-Centric Operations
Nguyen, Chinh; Samuel, Raj; Nguyen, Hoa; Carroll, Daniel; Do, Nhu-Nga; Oct 25, 2005; 21 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A442241; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA442241; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
This presentation describes the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego's (SSC San Diego), role in network-centric operations for unmanned systems. It is SSC San Diego's goal to be the nation's pre-eminent provider of integrated C4ISR solutions for warrior information dominance. These briefing charts cover the following topics: FORCEnet Services Infrastructure (FSI); Composeable FORCEnet; Enabling Technologies, such as Unmanned Vehicles, Sensors/ Payloads, Secure Wireless Networks, Data Management and Fusion; Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs); Unmanned Systems Command and Control (C2); Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) C2 Interoperability; Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) C2; Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Mission System; UGV Remote Operations; Networked Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (NISR); NISR Objectives; Requirements, including Operational Approach and Core Requirements; Spiral Development; Phase I Development, including Development Challenges and Design Decisions; Phase I Block Diagram; NISR Phase I Network Layout; Web Controller; NISR Phase II; Phase II Development, including Development Challenges and Design Decisions; Phase II Block Diagram; Phase II Network Layout; NISR Operation - Direct Control; NISR Scenario - Collaboration; Collaboration Scenario; NISR Spiral Development; and Partners in this collaboration. DTIC
Command and Control; Communication Networks; Drone Vehicles; Surface Effect Ships; Underwater Vehicles
20060014542 National War Coll., Washington, DC USA
Bureaucratic Politics and the Spoiled F-16 Sale to Indonesia
Jan 1998; 14 pp.; In English Report No.(s): AD-A441694; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA441694; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
On June 6, 1997 the office of U.S Senator Russ Femgold (D-WI), a member of the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee of the Foreign Relations Committee, released a statement applaudmg Indonesian President Suharto's decision to drop efforts to purchase nine U.S. F-16 fighter jets. Feingold stated he was long opposed to providmg advance military equipment to the Indonesian goveinment because of concerns over its 'abysmal human rights record in East Timor'. The Indonesian government stated it dropped the offer m frustration because of Congressional delays and a flawed U.S. foreign military sales policy. Despite efforts spearheaded by the USAAir Force and the State Departinent to see the deal through, the Clinton Administration wrthdrew its support to broker this $200 million dollar deal under pressure from Congress and other interest groups. In fact, Congressional concerns for Indonesia's human rights record may have had little inipact on President Clinton's decision to withdraw support for the deal The little drama surroundmg the F-16 sale to Indonesia clearly demonstrates Mile's Law of Bureaucratic Politics. Specifically, how any group sees an issue depends upon where the actors stand. This paper looks at how a number of actors seeking different goals used the Clinton Admmistration's plan to broker the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Indonesia to advance their own agendas. DTIC
F-16 Aircraft; Fighter Aircraft; Indonesia; Politics
20060014546 National War Coll., Washington, DC USA
From Reconnaissance to Surveillance: Intelligence Transformation in the New Millennium
Dahlstrom, Eric L; Jan 2003; 13 pp.; In English Report No.(s): AD-A441598; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA441598; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
Bruce Berkowitz The vehicle moved steadily along a dusty road 175 kilometers east of the capital city of Sana'a. The American pilot received permission to engage and, peering at his video screen, centered the crosshairs of his Hellfire missile directly over the target.Afew moments later, the sedan carrying six al-Qaeda terrorists dissolved into a mass of fire and debris. What makes this mission unique compared to the thousands of others flown during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM is that this pilot is not a military officer. In fact, the CIA pilot is not even aboard his aircraft, a 1,500-pound Predator drone. He is 'flying' this mission from a command trailer located hundreds of miles from the battlefield. This one event represents a major turning point in America's military evolution. It highlights the changing nature of the threat to the USA and showcases the emerging capabilities required to successfully defend our country in the new millennium. Transnational terrorist groups, willing to conduct suicide missions and eager to obtain weapons of mass destruction, pose a difficult problem for militaries geared to combat conventional foes. Because groups such as al-Qaeda operate in the midst of civilian populations and strike non-military targets, it is nearly impossible to defend the homeland without drastically changing our way of life. As such, the new National Security Strategy proposes that the USA not wait to be attacked, but should preempt terrorist groups before they can strike. The American military will need specific and timely intelligence if it is going to take the fight to the terrorists. The intelligence community, in turn, must significantly change the way it processes information and move from a collection paradigm dominated by econnaissance to one geared toward persistent surveillance on demand. DTIC
Intelligence; Military Personnel; Reconnaissance; Reconnaissance Aircraft; Security
20060014559 National War Coll., Washington, DC USA
How We Provide for the Common Defense: A Review of the Interactive Decision-Making Process of the V-22 Osprey Program from 1981 Through 1992
Fosnaugh, III, Carl J; Jan 2003; 15 pp.; In English Report No.(s): AD-A442069; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA442069; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
The Constitution of the USA was designed to serve the interests of all people the rich and poor, people who are Northerners and Southerners, farmers, factory workers, people in the business world. The Constitutional Convention believed strongly in the rule of the majority, but they wanted to protect minorities against any unjustness by the majority. The framers achieved this goal by separating and balancing the powers of government while including other basic constitutional aims of respect for the rights of individuals and states, rule of the government by the people, the separation of church and state, and supremacy of the national government. By separating and balancing the powers of the leadership of the USA, a system of governance has evolved that allows the inputs, opinions, voices and influence of interest groups that combine to form external influences which exert pressure on the decision making processes and people of the government. The V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor assault troop transport aircraft is an example of how the widespread influences of a multi-faceted bureaucracy interact in the Department of Defense (DoD) procurement process. The V-22 program is an illustration of the inter and intragovernmental practices that involved organizations, cultures, individuals and personalities. The decision-making process on whether or not to procure the V-22 involved a dedicated and passionate Military service, the Marine Corps, coupled with the Congress and influential, lobbying savvy, Defense Contractors, all pitted against a Secretary of Defense who was faced with tightening Defense budgets in the late 1980's. This essay will dissect the development and procurement processes surrounding the V-22, with a focus on the agencies, organizations, individuals, and personalities involved in the process. DTIC
Decision Making; Procurement; Tilt Rotor Aircraft; V-22 Aircraft
20060014562 National War Coll., Washington, DC USA
The Warthog. The Best Deal the Air Force Never Wanted
Dahl, Arden B; Jan 2003; 19 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A442118; No copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA442118; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
Nearly 30 years ago the USA Air Force (USAF) developed and fielded the A-10 Thunderbolt II. Nicknamed the 'Warthog,' the A-10 was built as a highly maneuverable aircraft, heavily armored and armed-specifically intended for the Close Air Support (CAS) mission. For those of us who came into the A-10 community during the 1980's, it was common knowledge that the aircraft was not popular among USAF senior leadership. A-10 folklore also held that the Warthog had strong congressional support on Long Island, which helped overcome opposition in the service. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the significant actors and major issues of the A-10 acquisition to answer the following question: Why did the Air Force buy the A-10 aircraft? DTIC
Attack Aircraft; Government Procurement
20060014563 National War Coll., Washington, DC USA
Bureaucratic Politics: Explaining Cancellation of the Navy A-12 Aircraft
Eckhardt, Louise A; Jan 1996; 14 pp.; In English Report No.(s): AD-A441355; NDU/NWC-96-E-43; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA441355; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
On January 7 1991, Defense Secretary Richard Cheney terminated a S4 8 billion contract for the A-12 Avenger aircraft, the Navy's top aviation priority. At that time, the aircraft was at least S1 billion over budget, 8,000 pounds overweight, and 18 months behind schedule (Montgomery 44). Nearly S3 billion had been spent on the program and not one aircraft was ever built. Originally projected to cost $57 billion for 620 aircraft, the A-12 was the largest weapons contract cancellation in the history of the Pentagon (Rosenberg 7). DTIC
Attack Aircraft; Cancellation; Navy
20060014608 Air Force Flight Test Center, Pomezia, Italy
Adequate Protection Systems for Reduction of Wear on Tornado Aircraft
Bagnoli, Franco; Jun 1, 2004; 7 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A442585; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA442585; Avail.: CASI: A02, Hardcopy
No abstract available
Air Intakes; Bomber Aircraft; Corrosion Resistance; Erosion; Flapping; Jet Flaps; Leading Edges; MRCA Aircraft; Protection; Protective Coatings; Thermal Resistance; Wear
20060014617 Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, Washington, DC USA
Domain Integration: Executive Summary and Annotated Brief
Levis, Alexander H; Worch, Peter R; Elder, Robert; Austin, Wanda; Chandochin, Monica; Dougherty, Doc; Haas, Thurman; Linderman, Mark; Loger, Jaan; Metzger, Rick; Jul 2005; 68 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A442613; SAB-TR-05-03; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA442613; Avail.: CASI: A04, Hardcopy
The Domain Integration ad hoc study addresses the effective manipulation and transfer of information among warfighters by predominantly machine-to-machine means. More specifically, the vision derived from the Terms of Reference is: The ability to horizontally integrate multi-INT information from space, air and ground at a machine-to-machine level will enable the Air Force to rapidly and accurately integrate data and information across domains to address time sensitive targets. The study team reviewed the current capabilities and technologies, identified an architectural approach, determined the needed technology advancements, and recommended a path through experimentation to fielding. Interoperability is an achievable goal that should be approached principally through data integration, as contrasted with system integration. We recognize that there will be cases where system integration will be necessary to achieve a specific objective (performance, safety, and security are three such potential justifications). To achieve this goal, it is possible to start small and build incrementally, but it is very important to start with at least a critical mass (enough to get the process started and keep it running). Successful information integration efforts depend critically on elimination of barriers to information sharing across the enterprise. DTIC
Annotations; Information Transfer; Interoperability; Systems Integration
20060014701 Technology for Energy, Knoxville, TN USA
Measurement of Residual Stresses in Difficult Locations
Matlock, Beth; Dec 20, 2005; 8 pp.; In English Contract(s)/Grant(s): F09650-02-C-0517 17 Report No.(s): AD-A442311; TEC-R-2005-390; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA442311; Avail.: CASI: A02, Hardcopy
The Air Force identified measuring stresses in hard-to-access locations as a major concern. Detrimental stresses in these locations lead to expensive loss of use, inspection & repair costs, and potential loss of aircraft and personnel. Aluminum alloys were the structural materials identified as the highest interest of the Air Force. A small XRD system named MAX (Miniature Advanced X-Ray) was developed to fit inside a 6' orifice. MAX is a very portable XRD system that can make quality residual stress measurements quickly in hard-to-access locations on aircraft. The system can be carried by one person and configured for measurements in less than 5 minutes. The user-friendly software controls the system and has a powerful peak analysis routine. Comparison of MAX's data to other XRD systems show that residual stress measurements are reliable. DTIC
Aircraft; Aluminum Alloys; Measurement; Position (Location); Residual Stress; Stress Measurement
20060014749 Air Force Research Lab., Edwards AFB, CA USA
Comparison of Ablation Performance in Laser Lightcraft and Standardized Mini-Thruster
Knecht, Sean D; Larson, C W; Mead, Jr, Franklin B; May 18, 2005; 43 pp.; In English Contract(s)/Grant(s): Proj-4847 Report No.(s): AD-A442466; AFRL-PR-ED-VG-2005-393; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA442466; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
On our 31st trip to the laser facility at WSMR we carried out experiments on laser ablation of black and white Delrin [also called polyoxymethylene, polyformaldehyde, (HCHO)x]. Mass ablation and thrust generation (Impulse) were accurately measured as a function of input laser energy in one shot experiments. The efficiency of conversion of laser energy to jet kinetic energy depended on the geometry of the energy absorption/conversion zone. The most ideal geometry, an axis symmetric mini-thruster, produced ~ 60 % conversion efficiency. The extensively studied 10-cm diameter Lightcraft (with inverted paraboloid, plug nozzle geometry) produced ~ 50% conversion efficiency. The upper limit to energy conversion was computed with CEA code to be 73% for the well-defined mini thruster geometry. Thus, total losses amount to ~ 13% and ~ 23%. This is a significant finding and helps to validate the concept of 'momentum calorimetry', in which experiments like those accomplished here may be conducted to obtain reliable heats of formation. The performance of candidate chemically enhanced laser ablation or other solid propellants may be measured on a small scale. In these most recent experiments, a near-exact match of coupling coefficients (1%) was achieved in a 14-fold scale-down of the 10-cm Lightcraft to the mini-thruster. DTIC
Ablation; Lasers; Standardization
20060014750 Air Force Research Lab., Edwards AFB, CA USA
An Overview of the Experimental 50-cm Laser Ramjet (X-50LR) Program
Mead, Jr , Franklin B; Larson, C W; Knecht, Sean D; Sep 13, 2005; 25 pp.; In English Contract(s)/Grant(s): Proj-4847 Report No.(s): AD-A442467; AFRL-PR-ED-VG-2005-394; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA442467; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy.
In January 2001, the X-50LR program was initiated to scale the Lightcraft concept ultimately to a 50-cm focal diameter, and to launch a 50 cm, fully functional vehicle, into space in either a sounding rocket or suborbital trajectory by the end of FY 2009. The current work involves scaling from a 10-cm aluminum Lightcraft to a composite 25-cm laser ramjet vehicle (X-25LR). An overview and status of this program will be given in terms of the various efforts that support this development. These efforts will include testing at the High Energy Laser System Test Facility (HELSTF), New Mexico; some results of the laser launch system study by Flight Unlimited; the development of silicon carbide materials for X-25LR parabolic reflectors by Trex Enterprises; supporting research by Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR); the different facets of attitude control in a small business program with Polaris Sensors Technology; continuing development of a launch model at The Pennsylvania State University; and, the development of a thrust measurement technique, and the use of a 'mini-thruster' for research with The University of Alabama, Huntsville, in collaboration with the AFRL. This paper will be followed by a number of papers giving additional details of the efforts briefly overviewed in this presentation. DTIC
Lasers; Ramjet Engines
20060014751 Air Force Research Lab., Edwards AFB, CA USA
An Overview of the Experimental 50-cm Laser Ramjet (X-50LR) Program (Postprint)
Mead, Jr , Franklin B; Larson, C W; Knecht, Sean D; Sep 13, 2005; 25 pp.; In English Contract(s)/Grant(s): Proj-4847 Report No.(s): AD-A442468; AFRL-PR-ED-VG-2005-394; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA442468; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
In January 2001, the X-50LR program was initiated to scale the Lightcraft concept ultimately to a 50-cm focal diameter, and to launch a 50 cm, fully functional vehicle, into space in either a sounding rocket or suborbital trajectory by the end of FY 2009. The current work involves scaling from a 10-cm aluminum Lightcraft to a composite 25-cm laser ramjet vehicle (X-25LR). An overview and status of this program will be given in terms of the various efforts that support this development. These efforts will include testing at the High Energy Laser System Test Facility (HELSTF), New Mexico; some results of the laser launch system study by Flight Unlimited; the development of silicon carbide materials for X-25LR parabolic reflectors by Trex Enterprises; supporting research by Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR); the different facets of attitude control in a small business program with Polaris Sensors Technology; continuing development of a launch model at The Pennsylvania State University; and, the development of a thrust measurement technique, and the use of a 'mini-thruster' for research with The University of Alabama, Huntsville, in collaboration with the AFRL. This paper will be followed by a number of papers giving additional details of the efforts briefly overviewed in this presentation. DTIC
Lasers; Ramjet Engines
20060014763 Air Force Inst. of Tech., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH USA
Operator State Estimation for Adaptive Aiding in Uninhabited Combat Air Vehicles
Russell, Christopher A; Sep 2005; 198 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A442522; AFIT/DS/ENG/05-01; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA442522; Avail.: CASI: A09, Hardcopy
This research demonstrated the first closed-loop implementation of adaptive automation using operator functional state in an operationally relevant environment. In the Uninhabited Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) environment, operators can become cognitively overloaded and their performance may decrease during mission critical events. This research demonstrates an unprecedented closed-loop system, one that adaptively aids UCAV operators based on their cognitive functional state A series of experiments were conducted to 1) determine the best classifiers for estimating operator functional state, 2) determine if physiological measures can be used to develop multiple cognitive models based on information processing demands and task type, 3) determine the salient psychophysiological measures in operator functional state, and 4) demonstrate the benefits of intelligent adaptive aiding using operator functional state. Aiding the operator actually improved performance and increased mission effectiveness by 67%. DTIC
Combat; State Estimation
20060014768 Air Force Research Lab., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH USA
A Large-Scale Investigation of a Flat-Plate Pulsed Vortex Generator Jet in Crossflow Using PIV
Polanka, Marc; Sondergaard, Rolf; Moore, Kenneth; Wolff, Mitch; Jul 2005; 13 pp.; In English Contract(s)/Grant(s): F33615-98-C-2895; Proj-2307 Report No.(s): AD-A442549; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA442549; Avail.: Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC)
The use of small jets of air has proved to be an effective means of flow control on low Reynolds number turbine blades. Pulsing of these jets has also shown benefits in reducing the amount of air needed to achieve the same level of flow control. An experiment using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) has been set up to investigate how these pulsed jets interact with the boundary layer to help stabilize it and keep the flow attached. A 25x scaled jet in a plate has been utilized. The 25.4 mm diameter jet has a pitch angle of 30 degrees and a skew angle of 90 degrees. Pitch angle is defined as the angle the jet makes with the surface of the plate, and the skew angle is the angle that the jet makes with the cross flow. The jet was pulsed at a frequency of f = 0.5 Hz with duty cycle (pulse duration of the total period T) of Delta = 50%. Blowing ratios pjVj/pinfinityUinfinity, or ratios of jet velocity, Vj, to freestream velocity, Uinfinity, when the densities pj and pinfinity are equal) of B = 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 were studied. A reduced frequency parameter was defined as F+ = fl/Uinfinity, with the reference length l equal to the jet diameter, d, resulting in F+ = 0.004 with Uinfinity = 3.15 m/s. Velocity and vorticity planes were obtained at different spanwise locations and used in the characterization of the flow. Based on previous research, the starting vortex, which develops at the beginning of every cycle for each pulsed case, is the critical flow characteristic. The current study shows that both the starting and ending of every duty cycle are keys to obtaining attached flow, and that attachment is improved with larger in-plane vorticity, omegaj. DTIC
Cross Flow; Flat Plates; Particle Image Velocimetry; Vortex Generators; Vortices
20060014790 Calgary Univ., Alberta Canada
Air Ejector Pumping Enhancement Through Pulsing Primary Flow
Vermeulen, Peter J; Ramesh, Venkataramanayya; Meng, Guang C; Miller, Daniel N; Domel, Neal; Dec 2005; 33 pp.; In English Contract(s)/Grant(s): F49620-02-1-0131 Report No.(s): AD-A442653; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA442653; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
Improving the performance of an ejector is a flow control problem. Passive methods such as changing the geometry ofthe mixing tube showed that, for a simple mixing tube geometry of a concentric cone-tube combination, the diameter of the tube had to be at least 4 times the diameter of the primary nozzle. Thus for a 5.13 mm dia. primary jet, a 22.7 mm dia. tube was 27% better than a 17.41 mm dia. tube. A standard Venturi mixing tube with 17.41 mm dia. throat was 100% better. Also the shape of the entrance cone had only a little effect and could be substituted by other shapes. A tube without an entrance shape was found to be still reasonably efficient. Both experiments and Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis show that pulsing the primary jet flow, an active method of flow control, improved ejector performance. The physics of this improvement has been discussed. Pumping effectiveness of the ejector was found to be proportional to the square of the pulsation strength. The details of the many pulsators tested are discussed. The majority of the improvement appears to be due to the initial toroidal vortex the pulsation produces. The improvement was strongest at 127-131 Hz, less than half the fundamental frequency of 746 Hz of the system. The pumping effectiveness increased by up to 4.5 times that for a steady jet. Different types of pulse shapes tested indicate that a sinusoidal pulse superimposed on a steady flow is very efficient. For pulses which have only positive pulse velocities, a narrow pulse was more efficient. The data also showed that a strong synthetic jet actuator gave ejector performance as good as a pulsed jet with primary flow. DTIC
Augmentation; Ejectors; Jet Flow; Jet Mixing Flow; Pulsejet Engines
20060014925 RAND Corp., Santa Monica, CA USA
Protecting Commercial Aviation Against the Shoulder-Fired Missile Threat
Chow, James; Chiesa, James; Dreyer, Paul; Eisman, Mel; Karasik, Theodore W; Kvitky, Joel; Lingel, Sherrill; Ochmanek, David; Shirley, Chad; Jan 2005; 60 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A442904; RAND/OP-106; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA442904; Avail.: CASI: A04, Hardcopy
Air travel has become an integral part of modern life. Terrorists have long understood this and have made commercial aviation one of their prime targets. Al Qaeda and its affiliates have both the motive and the means to bring down U.S. commercial aircraft with shoulder-fired missiles, also known as man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). No such attempt has yet been made against a U.S. carrier, but given the measures being taken to preclude 9/11 style attacks, the use of MANPADS will unavoidably become more attractive to terrorist. What might be done to prevent such an attack? We concentrate here on the capabilities and costs of onboard technologies to divert or destroy an attacking missile. Given the significant costs involved with operating countermeasures based upon current technology, we believe a decision to install such systems aboard commercial airliners should be postponed until the technologies can be developed and shown to be more compatible in a commercial environment. This development effort should proceed as rapidly as possible. Concurrently, a development effort should begin immediately that focuses on understanding damage mechanisms and the likelihood of catastrophic damage to airliners from MANPADS and other forms of man-portable weapons. Findings from the two development programs should inform a decision on the number of aircraft that should be equipped with countermeasures (from none to all 6,800 U.S. jet-powered aircrafts) and the sequence in which aircraft are to be protected. DTIC
Air Defense; Airline Operations; Commercial Aircraft; Missiles; Safety; Security; Shoulders
20060014990 Air Force History Support Office, Bolling AFB, Washington, DC USA
Technology and the Air Force: A Retrospective Assessment
Neufeld, Jacob; Watson, Jr , George M; Chenoweth, David; Jan 1997; 341 pp.; In English Report No.(s): AD-A440094; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA440094; Avail.: CASI: A15, Hardcopy
The history of the USAAir Force is inextricably bound up in the history of aerospace technology. Major revolutions have influenced the evolution of Air Force capabilities and systems, most notably those of atomic weaponry, the turbojet revolution, supersonic flight, avionics, aerial refueling, space flight, precision weaponry, electronic flying controls, composite materials, and stealth. It is worthwhile to take a retrospective look at some of the aerospace challenges and opportunities the Air Force faced and how it took advantage -- or failed to take advantage -- of them. With this in mind, the Air Force History and Museums Program organized a symposium on October 23 and 24, 1995, in which leading historians, technologists, and military decision makers met at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, to present case studies on a series of technological challenges, opportunities, and problems. This symposium, co-sponsored by the Air Force Historical Foundation, covered relevant technological histories ranging from the turbojet revolution of the 1930s to the stealth revolution of the 1990s. This volume presents the texts of the 20 papers in the order they were given. Topics discussed include the turbojet revolution, technological forecasting, supersonic aircraft, origins of air refueling, technology and doctrine, ballistic missile program, smart weapons, cruise missiles, fly-by-wire technology, nuclear-powered flight, F-16 lightweight fighter, early spacecraft technology, origins of the Global Positioning System, the space revolution, AWACS and JSTARS, computational fluid dynamics, stealth technology, and information systems and applications. DTIC
Technology Assessment; Histories
20060015044 National War Coll., Washington, DC USA
The Impact of Emerging Munitions Technology on 21st Century Warfare
Marletto, Michael P; Apr 26, 1999; 14 pp.; In English Report No.(s): AD-A442784; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA442784; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
Over the last decade the American public has been exposed to countless media reports of surgical strikes carried out by precision munitions. With each new gun camera clip the public is reminded that America's armed forces possess an unparalleled ability to discriminately strike hostile targets anywhere in the world with virtual impunity. While some herald this as the true fulfillment of the prophecy of airpower, I believe that it has greater ramifications. Far from signaling the ascendancy of airpower, It instead heralds the death knell of 20th century warfare as advanced munitions gain primacy over the platforms that deliver them. This shift to munitions primacy signals the start of a new era in the character and conduct of war as we enter the 21st century. To fully understand the implications of the dawn of this new era of warfare we must trace the evolutionary process that has taken place during the last century. At the turn of the 20th century, military theorists and strategists were primarily challenged with responding to technological innovations that, while impacting directly on the tactical level of warfare, translated into operational and strategic implications. The breech loading rifle, smokeless powder, and magazine fed weapons magnified the historical advantage of the defender. Faced without a technological solution to this new killing power, soldiers responded by abandoning close order formations and dispersing on the battlefield. The net result of the impact of the technological advances in small arms was the victory in a single engagement. The decisive engagement was replaced by the operational campaign as the means necessary to inflict enough losses to defeat an enemy army and gain strategic victory. DTIC
Ammunition; Warfare
20060015161 Oklahoma Univ., Norman, OK USA
Reengineering and Fast Manufacturing for Impact-Induced Fatigue and Fracture Problems in Aging Aircrafts
Chang, Kuang-Hua; Siddique, Zahed; Jan 31, 2006; 40 pp.; In English Contract(s)/Grant(s): F49620-02-1-0336 Report No.(s): AD-A443010; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA443010; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
In this research, a systematic reverse engineering, re-engineering, and fast manufacturing (RRF) process has been developed and validated. Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software tools and equipment that support the RRF process have been identified, evaluated, and tested. An integration framework has also been developed and employed to create an RRF testbed. This testbed constructed using COTS software and equipment supports three major engineering tasks: the reverse engineering that supports recovering of technical data from worn sample parts, re-engineering that alters design for better performance or lower cost, and fast prototyping that incorporates advanced manufacturing technologies to produce functional or physical prototype of the part in small quantity in a short turnaround time. A number of examples obtained from logistics centers have been employed to illustrate and demonstrate the capabilities established in the RRF testbed. This testbed allows a geographically distributed team to work on a design task both synchronously and asynchronously. This testbed was presented and demonstrated to OC-ALC personnel on November 30, 2005, and received very positive feedback and excellent suggestions. DTIC
Aircraft; Fatigue (Materials); Manufacturing
20060015203 Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA USA
The Next Great Engine War: Analysis and Recommendations for Managing the Joint Strike Fighter Engine Competition
Amick, Karl G; Dec 2005; 77 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A443073; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA443073; Avail.: CASI: A05, Hardcopy
This thesis examines the competition between Pratt & Whitney (P&W) and General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE) to improve the engine for the air superiority fighter, the F-16. This first Great EngineWar was an attempt by the U.S. Government to encourage Pratt & Whitney, the sole winner of the F-16 fighter engine propulsion contract, to be more responsive to shortcomings in the design and operation of its F100 engine. When P&W declared that any design changes would be out of the scope of the current contract, the government contracted with GEAE to produce an alternate engine design to compete with the F100 for F-16C/D Block 30 acquisition. The GEAE F110-GE-100 engine was successful and the competition did motivate P&W to improve their engine design as well. After describing the history of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program, the author derives recommendations from the first Great Engine War to guide the competition between P&W (F135 engine) and GEAE/Rolls Royce (F136 engine) to produce the engine for the JSF. His research yielded the following recommendations to guide future JSF engine acquisition: (1) strictly adhere to airframe commonality for either engine, (2) continue to purchase and support the engines as Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE), (3) ensure that competition criteria include supportability costs, (4) do not pursue a warranty strategy, (5) plan for competition on an annual basis, (6) maintain a concerted effort to encourage both competitors to attempt to win the maximum share, and (7) do not participate in a Component Improvement Program (CIP). The thesis includes interviews with stakeholders in the F-16 engine competition and the Joint Strike Fighter Program. DTIC
Competition; Contract Management; Fighter Aircraft; Jet Aircraft; Jet Engines; Procurement
20060015234 Dassault Aviation, Saint-Cloud, France
Integrated Logistic Support Approach of Wear-Related Problems
Chretien, Nicolas; Absi, Frederic; Jun 1, 2004; 12 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A443127; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA443127; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
No abstract available
Abrasion; Concurrent Engineering; Erosion; Logistics Management; Maintenance; Preventive Maintenance; Wear; Weathering
20060015451 Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA USA
An Application of Technological Maturity Assessment to ROKAF T-50 Aircraft Production Program
Maeng, Honjae; Dec 2005; 77 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A443321; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA443321; Avail.: CASI: A05, Hardcopy
This thesis investigates the feasibility of applying a knowledge-based approach to the problem of estimating the future success of a major defense acquisition. This thesis will model the US Government Accountability Office (US GAO) knowledge based methodology for evaluating programs. This methodology relies on three sets of knowledge namely technology design and production. In particular the technology dimension is measured by Technology Readiness Level (TRL) as defined by NASA. In addition, the methodology relies on assessing the design readiness of a program by examining the status of the release of engineering drawings. Finally the US GAO methodology assesses the production readiness of a program by xamining the status of Statistical Process Quality Control (SPQC) procedures. This thesis also presents to the ROKAF decision maker an independent knowledge-based estimation of the ROKAF T-50 program by applying the US GAO methodology to the T-50 program. DTIC
Acquisition; Knowledge Based Systems; Maintainability; Production Planning; Transport Aircraft
20060015602 Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA USA
Vision Based Control and Target Range Estimation for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Quek, Chin K; Dec 2005; 57 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A443306; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA443306; Avail.: CASI: A04, Hardcopy
In the tracking of a moving ground target by small unmanned air vehicle (UAV) via camera vision, the target position and motion cannot be measured directly. Two different types of filters were assessed for their ability to estimate target motion, namely target velocity, directional heading on flat ground and distance from the UAV to target. The first filter is a nonlinear deterministic filter with stability guarantee. The second filter is based on nonlinear Kalman Filter technique. The application and performance of these two filters are presented, for simulated vision based target tracking. DTIC
Drone Vehicles; Kalman Filters; Pilotless Aircraft; Targets
20060015689 NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, USA
Flight Acoustic Testing and For the Rotorcraft Noise Data Acquisition Model (RNM)
Burley, Casey L.; Smith, Charles D.; Conner, David A.; 2006; 17 pp.; In English; AHS International 62nd Annual Forum and Technology Display, 9-11 May 2006, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Original contains color and black and white illustrations Contract(s)/Grant(s): 23-781-20-13; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
Two acoustic flight tests have been conducted on a remote test range at Eglin Air Force Base in the panhandle of Florida. The first was the 'Acoustics Week' flight test conducted in September 2003. The second was the NASA Heavy Lift Rotorcraft Acoustics Flight Test conducted in October-November 2005. Benchmark acoustic databases were obtained for a number of rotorcraft and limited fixed wing vehicles for a variety of flight conditions. The databases are important for validation of acoustic prediction programs such as the Rotorcraft Noise Model (RNM), as well as for the development of low noise flight procedures and for environmental impact assessments. An overview of RNM capabilities and a detailed description of the RNM/ART (Acoustic Repropagation Technique) process are presented. The RNM/ART process is demonstrated using measured acoustic data for the MD600N. The RNM predictions for a level flyover speed sweep show the highest SEL noise levels on the flight track centerline occurred at the slowest vehicle speeds. At these slower speeds, broadband noise content is elevated compared to noise levels obtained at the higher speeds. A descent angle sweep shows that, in general, ground noise levels increased with increasing descent rates. Vehicle orientation in addition to vehicle position was found to significantly affect the RNM/ART creation of source noise semi-spheres for vehicles with highly directional noise characteristics and only mildly affect those with weak acoustic directionality. Based on these findings, modifications are proposed for RNM/ART to more accurately define vehicle and rotor orientation. Author
Acoustic Properties; Flight Tests; Rotary Wing Aircraft; Noise Measurement; Low Noise; Damage Assessment
20060015722 Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA USA
The Use of Agent Based Simulation for Cooperative Sensing of the Battlefield
Liang, Lawrence A; Dec 2005; 121 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A443319; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA443319; Avail.: Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC)
Many military Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations would benefit greatly from a fleet of disparate sensor-bearing UAVs that are tightly integrated via a communications network work cooperatively for a common operational objective enhance situation awareness of the areas of operation and increase persistence of sensor dwell time on strategic targets. This would enable continuity in the entire target acquisition cycle from detection to classification to identification and finally localization of targets in a diverse and dynamic environment. The integration of sensors and development of tactics in a cooperative sensing environment is one of the current focuses among the military intelligence community and hence motivates this thesis effort. By building models with an existing agent-based simulation platform and using an extremely efficient experimental design methodology numerous factors which could potentially affect the effectiveness of a cooperative sensing network against two arrays of targets are explored. The factors considered include UAV airspeed reliability detection/classification coverage and probability network latency and degradation UAV configurations and responsiveness as well as air space separation. The two arrays of targets are mobile armor concentrations and time critical targets; these vary in their deployment profiles vulnerability constraints and ease of detectability. Factors characterizing these targets such as the shoot-and-scoot behavior of time critical targets are also investigated. The study provides operational insights pertaining to the design and effective use of cooperative sensing for ISR purposes. These include the importance of having good UAV sensor capabilities the need for a suite of sensors to aid in locating well-camouflaged time-critical targets and the need for 'intelligent' application of UAV cooperation tactics based on the characteristics of recently-classified targets. DTIC
Communication Networks; Detection; Drone Vehicles; Flight Simulation; Intelligence; Reconnaissance Aircraft; Simulation; Surveillance; Tactics; Target Acquisition
20060015768 Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA USA
Spiral Development in Action: A Case Study of Spiral Development in the Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Program
Henning, Wade A; Walter, Daniel T; Dec 2005; 87 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A443447; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA443447; Avail.: CASI: A05, Hardcopy
Evolutionary Acquisition (EA) is the established acquisition strategy of choice for the Department of Defense (DoD) and spiral development (SD) is the preferred process to execute this tactic. SD is used when the end-state of a weapon system is unknown, and its purpose is to get valuable capability into warfighters' hands much more quickly than before, even if the deliverable is only a partial solution. This approach is markedly different than the traditional DoD acquisition approach that too often fielded weapon systems late, over budget, and with obsolete technology. As with any DoD initiative, SD is not a panacea. The purpose of this MBA Project is to identify some of the key characteristics necessary to implement SD in government acquisitions, and to present lessons learned from a program office currently using a spiral development approach. This is accomplished through a case study of the Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Program. This paper examines the Global Hawk's spiral development strategies in several key program functional areas. It discusses SD challenges and benefits with particular attention to successful tactics and potential pitfalls of using this acquisition approach. Finally, it derives several lessons learned applicable to any DoD program manager. DTIC
Budgeting; Defense Program; Drone Vehicles; Pilotless Aircraft; Procurement; Project Management
20060015802 Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA USA
An Exploration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the Army's Future Combat Systems Family of Systems
Sulewski, Charles A; Dec 2005; 184 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A443500; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA443500; Avail.: Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC)
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be a critical part of the U.S. Army s Future Force. The Future Force will be a highly mobile, network enabled family of systems with integrated sensors and precision munitions. The Future Force will rely heavily on UAVs to provide eyes on the battlefield. These eyes will trigger the deployment of precision munitions by other platforms, and possibly by UAVs themselves. To provide insight into how the numbers and capabilities of UAVs affect a Future Force Combined Arms Battalion s (CAB s) ability to secure a Northeast Asia urban objective, a simulation was built and analyzed. 46,440 computational experiments were conducted to assess how varying the opposing force and the numbers, tactics, and capabilities of UAVs affects the CAB s ability to secure the objective with minimal losses. The primary findings, over the factors and ranges examined, are: UAVs significantly enhance the CAB s performance; UAV capabilities and their tactics outweigh the number of UAVs flying; battalion level UAVs, especially when armed, are critical in the opening phases of the battle, as they facilitate the rapid attrition of enemy High Pay-off Targets; and, at least one company level and a platoon level UAV enhances dismounts survivability later in the battle. DTIC
Combat; Cost Effectiveness; Drone Vehicles; Organizations; Pilotless Aircraft
20060015810 Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA USA
Filling H-60 Helicopter Readiness Shortfalls by Streamlining and Revising Depot Level Maintenance Procedures
Snowden, Timothy M; Sullivan, Douglas R; Dec 2005; 49 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A443519; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA443519; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
Recognizing the need to extend aircraft service lives, Naval Air Systems Command developed the Integrated Maintenance Concept (IMC). IMC was seen as an opportunity to integrate tasks over all levels of maintenance and balance the operational, engineering, and fiscal aspects of an aircraft's preventative maintenance program. But implementation of IMC has resulted in several unintended consequences, the most important of which is degraded readiness. Aircraft rebuild and in-process work that are required of squadron personnel interrupt maintenance at the squadrons, and the subsequent work stoppages interrupt flow at the Naval Air Depots. The result is wider variability in both processes, which increases inventory at the depot, increases squadron workloads, degrades operational availability by limiting aircraft inventory, and interrupts production at the squadron. The authors sought to answer the following questions: (1) Why do squadrons perform the preparation and rebuild? (2) Why does the squadron take so long to rebuild an aircraft? (3) Can the depot perform these functions faster and at what cost? and (4) Will having the depot perform these functions increase readiness? The authors sought to show that the depots can perform all functions of the H-60 IMP faster than sharing responsibilities with individual squadrons, and that operational readiness will be increased by the overall reduction of IMP cycle time. A simulation model was used to test the hypothesis that assigning organizational-level tasks to depot personnel would reduce variability in the process, and thereby decrease cycle times and depot work-in-process inventory. They conclude that implementing their project at a cost of $1.4 million per year would be equivalent to having six additional aircraft, which implies savings of between $36 million and $150 million. They also conclude that the squadron labor freed from working on depot aircraft should result in increased operational readiness levels. DTIC
H-60 Helicopter; Maintainability; Maintenance; Manpower; Preventive Maintenance; Streamlining; Systems Integration; Workloads (Psychophysiology)
20060015811 Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA USA
Supportability Requirements for the V-22 Osprey
Stanmore Torres, Angela S; Dec 2005; 81 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A443522; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA443522; Avail.: CASI: A05, Hardcopy
The purpose of this MBA Project was to provide a comprehensive analysis of the supporting requirements for the V-22 Osprey from the perspective of the USA Navy and Marine Corps. The primary objective was to assist in determining the specifics that will be necessary to support the successful fielding of the weapon system. Various analysis techniques help identify and document specific requirements, including pilot training, maintenance personnel training, spare parts support, and contracting options that will be necessary to support the overall weapon system from 'tip to tail.' The benefit of choosing a commercial support plan in the form of Performance-Based Logistics versus a traditional government supportability plan is measured in readiness. Impacts to cost over the life cycle of the weapon system are measured in flying hours per dollar. DTIC
Contract Management; Cost Analysis; Logistics; Logistics Management; Military Operations; Tilt Rotor Aircraft; V-22 Aircraft
20060015952 Library of Congress, Washington, DC USA
F/A-22 Raptor
Bolkcom, Christopher; Mar 3, 2005; 28 pp.; In English Report No.(s): AD-A443739; CRS-RL31673; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA443739; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
The F/A-22 Raptor is a next-generation fighter/attack aircraft that features the latest stealth technology to reduce detection by radar. Using more advanced engines and avionics than the current F-15 Eagle, the F/A-22 is intended to maintain U.S. Air Force capabilities against more sophisticated aircraft and missiles in the 21st century. This report examines the Air Force's F/A-22 Raptor program, including costs and schedule; considers several key issues; and concludes with a synopsis of recent legislative activity the program. In 1986 two contractors were selected to build competing prototypes, Lockheed's YF-22 and Northrop's YF-23, which were flight tested in late 1990. In April 1991, the Air Force selected Lockheed's YF-22 design for full-scale development, now termed System Development and Demonstration (SDD). The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney's F119 engine, selected in competition with General Electric's F120 engine. If produced as now projected, F/A-22s could begin replacing F-15s after 2005. Through FY2004 Congress provided some $41 billion for the F/A-22. A 279-aircraft program was estimated by DoD in June 2004 to cost about $72 billion in actual prior-year and projected out-year expenditures. The Administration's FY2005 budget requested $4.8 billion for the F/A-22 program in procurement and development funds. Appropriators reduced this request by $40 million. The F/A-22 has had strong congressional support, although some have criticized the program on grounds of cost, requirements, and coordination with other tactical aircraft programs. Some question the urgency of procuring of the F/A-22 when production of comparable or better aircraft by other countries appears unlikely. Others argue that the F/A-22 should enter production as early as possible to cope with future threats from more advanced air defenses of potential enemies and to maintain the preeminent U.S. position in aviation technology and production. DTIC
Armed Forces (United States); Contract Management; Federal Budgets; Fighter Aircraft; Government Procurement; Stealth Technology
20060016005 Brigham Young Univ., Provo, UT USA
Towards Real-World Searching with Fixed-Wing Mini-UAVs
Quigley, Morgan; Barber, Blake; Griffiths, Steve; Goodrich, Michael A; Jan 2005; 7 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Contract(s)/Grant(s): FA9550-04-1-0209 Report No.(s): AD-A443746; No Copyright; Avail.: Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC)
We discuss several techniques that assist in the field deployments of fixed-wing mini-UAVs to assist search teams, focusing on automatic takeoff and landing. We also present a real-time flight path generation routine that performs a spiral search centered around a target point, and a path planner that creates waypoints for searches up mountain canyons. DTIC
Aircraft Configurations; Fixed Wings; Pilotless Aircraft; Remotely Piloted Vehicles
20060016317 Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA USA
Analysis of Dead Time and Implementation of Smith Predictor Compensation in Tracking Servo Systems for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Brashear ,Jr, Thomas J; Dec 2005; 57 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A443426; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA443426; Avail.: CASI: A04, Hardcopy
Recent advances in technology have allowed for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (SUAVs) to employ miniaturized smart payloads such as gimbaled cameras, deployable mechanisms, and network sensors. Gimbaled video camera systems, designed at NPS, use two servo actuators to command line of sight orientation via serial controller while tracking a target and is termed Visual Based Target Tracking (VBTT). Several Tactical Network Topology (TNT) experiments have shown high value of this new payload but also revealed inherent delays that exist between command and actuation of the pan-tilt servo actuators controlling the camera. Preliminary analysis shows that these delays are due to a communication lag between the ground control station and the onboard serial controller, a data processing delay within that controller, and the mechanical delays of the gimbal. This thesis applies system identification techniques to the servo controller system and considers the implementation of a Smith Predictor into the camera control algorithm in order to reduce the overall effect of the lag on the system performance. DTIC
Drone Vehicles; Pilotless Aircraft; Servomechanisms; Surveillance; Time Lag; Video Signals
Source: NASA
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