INVESTIGATION OF WINDSHIELD RAIN REMOVAL METHODS FOR RE-ENTRY TYPE VEHICLES

摘要

This report contains the results of a study and wind tunnel test program conducted to investigate methods of improving windshield visibility during landing under rain conditions. The investigation was directed towards systems which would be ap¬plicable to hypersonic boost-glide vehicles or manned satellites using aerodynamic lift for re-entry speed reduction and landing.nVarious methods were studied and potential systems were wind tunnel tested under simulated rain conditions to experimentally investigate and demonstrate the effectiveness of the more promising methods. Systems were evaluated on the basis of visibility improvement, weight and space penalty, complexity, and reliability. Data are presented in the form of sketches, curves, and photographs to illustrate the effectiveness of the various sys¬tems.nThe results indicated that several of the methods tested could provide satisfactory improvement of windshield visibility under rain conditions during landing and would be feasible for installation on this type of vehicle The most desirable systems, however, did exhibit certain inherent limitations and disadvantages.