Subsonic aerodynamic characteristics of a space shuttle orbiter

A space shuttle orbiter has been studied in a low turbulence pressure tunnel at a Mach number of 0.25 and Reynolds numbers from 4.17 x 1 million to 29. 17 x 1 million, based model length. The angle of attack range was about -4 to 24 deg at angles of sideslip of 0 and 5 deg. Static longitudinal and lateral directional aerodynamic characteristics were obtained for elevon deflections from 0 to -20 deg. The model was longitudinally stable at all test conditions; however, depending on Reynolds number and eleven deflection angle, the model was directionally unstable for angles of attack between 9 and 17 deg. The model had a maximum trimmed lift drag ratio of about 6.25 which occured at an angle of attack of about 9 deg with an elevon deflection of -10 deg.