Uses of parameter estimation in flight test

An overview of the experience gained at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility in aircraft parameter estimation is presented and the ways in which this experience is used in flight test are explained. Some of the reasons for the current importance of parameter estimation in most modern aircraft test programs are discussed, and three examples from projects underway at Dryden are used to illustrate how parameter estimation of stability derivatives can be integrated into a flight-test program.