Position Error Calibration of a Pressure Survey Aircraft Using a Trailing Cone

摘要

A review is presented of the trailing cone development and testing, application procedures and the results of position error evaluation over a wide speed and altitude range. The position error of the NCAR Sabreliner determined by the trailing cone method is different from the error determined from earlier tower flights. Independent comparisons with pacer aircraft confirm the static pressure differences between the two position error functions. D-values during deceleration maneuvers at the pressure survey altitudes indicate the coefficients of the dynamic pressure terms of either correction function are valid and the versatility of the trailing cone method provides sufficient data to indicate the position error has no significant Mach number sensitivity in the medium to high subsonic range. The uncertainty or the largest expected error in the Sabreliner static pressure measurement after correction for position error is + or - 0.39 mb.