Conduct and Results of YF-16 RPRV Stall/Spin Drop Model Tests

摘要

Initial tow qualification tests and parachute recovery system qualification tests were conducted to establish the safety of the helicopter tow/launch technique and to verify the reliability of the parachute recovery system. Three model flights were conducted which demonstrate the feasibility of conducting a research program with extremely limited resources using the remotely piloted research vehicle and the ground control station provided by the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory (AFFDL). When all system components operated properly, the quality of the data acquired was sufficient for real-time control of the model and for post-flight data analysis. Delays caused by extremely unreliable system components and the inordinate time required to repair structural damage sustained by the model during parachute landings caused excessive turnaround times between flights. These delays diminished the frequency of model flights to the point that the small amount of data acquired did not justify the expenditure of resources required, and the program was terminated.