Space shuttle: Experimental investigations for base drag reduction on a 0.015 scale model MSFS proposed space shuttle booster at Mach numbers from 0.40 to 1.10

摘要

A 0.015-scale model of a modified version of the MDAC space shuttle booster was tested to obtain force, static stability, and control effectiveness data. The objective of this test was the reduction of cruise (M = 0.4) base drag by the use of base flaps, base vents, elevon deflection and base flow from a plenum mounted forward of the base heat shield. Transonic data were also obtained to determine the aerodynamic characteristics of the new base shape. Six component aerodynamic force and moment data were recorded over an angle of attack range from 4 deg to 20 deg at 0 deg sideslip and over a sideslip range from -6 deg to 6 deg at 0 deg, 6 deg and 15 deg angle of attack. Mach number varied from 0.4 to 1.10 at a constant R of 2 million per unit length.