Design and Analysis of HiLDA/AEI Aeroelastic Wind Tunnel Model

During AFRL’s High Lift-to-Drag Active (HiLDA) Wing program and the follow-on Aerodynamic Efficiency Improvement (AEI) program, advanced flight controls including gust load alleviation (GLA), was demonstrated through numerous wind tunnel tests using an aeroelastically-scaled model of Northrop Grumman’s all-wing SensorCraft vehicle. The flexible model proved to be highly useful as it served two programs but also two contractors, both Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, in demonstrating individual contractor’s approach to advanced flight controls. This paper describes the model itself, the design procedure used, and the prediction of anticipated static and dynamic behavior.