National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Volume 57 Number 2 April 2015 Second MUTT makes first flight By Peter W. Merlin The latest in a long series of NASA Armstrong Public Affairs experimental research aircraft, or Researchers at NASA Armstrong X-planes, the X-56A was built successfully conducted the agency’s by Lockheed Martin’s Advanced first flight of the X-56A Multi-Utility Development Projects division Technology Testbed (MUTT) No. 2 in Palmdale, California, under a on April 9. contract from the U.S. Air Force The 20-minute flight marked Research Laboratory (AFRL), the beginning of a research effort Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, designed to yield significant Ohio. Powered by twin 85-pound- advances in aeroservoelastic thrust JetCat P-400 micro jet engines, technology using a low-cost, the airplane has a semi-flying-wing modular, remotely piloted aerial configuration with winglets at the vehicle. Aeroservoelasticity involves tips. Lockheed Martin constructed the interaction of an airplane’s two airframe center-bodies along automatic flight controls with the with several sets of wings because response of non-rigid structures to plans called for tests involving both aerodynamic forces. The X-56A is stiff and flexible airfoils. being flown in support of NASA’s ED15-0104-60 NASA/Ken Ulbrich The maiden flight of the first Advanced Air Transport Technology airframe – nicknamed Fido – in (AATT) project’s Higher Aspect NASA researchers are using the X-56A, a low-cost, modular, remotely piloted June 2013, by Lockheed Martin Ratio Wing subproject, Performance aerial vehicle, to explore the behavior of lightweight, flexible aircraft structures. and AFRL initiated testing to Adaptive Aeroelastic Wing element. explore technologies for active This was the first of eight planned X-56A attain an altitude of 4,000 AATT associate project manager flutter suppression and gust- Stiff Wing Controller Development feet above sea level and cleared for for integrated testing declared, envelope clearance flights. Successful flight at up to 70 knots calibrated “The flight went nearly exactly as X-56A, page 12 efforts by the test team saw the airspeed. Gary S. Martin, rehearsed in the simulator.” Rocket validates sensor package By Leslie Williams Xombie suborbital technology Xombie. The rocket ascended to said Nathan O’Konek, Masten’s NASA Armstrong acting news chief demonstration rocket during a about 111 meters or nearly 365 feet, director of business operations. Carnegie Mellon University NASA-sponsored launch and traversed over a simulated hexagon “Our lander test vehicles are able (CMU) students developed a sensor landing at the Mojave Air and pit then returned to its pad. The to simulate landing trajectories package to analyze large pits in the Space Port in Mojave, California. total flight time was 64 seconds. that a lander on the moon would surface of the moon or Mars that The computer vision “We are working with Carnegie actually follow; we descend at rates could lead to openings of caves. technology sensor package was Mellon students who are developing similar to what a lunar lander would The package was launched recently mounted on top of Masten’s a technology to build maps and 3-D on Masten Space Systems’ XA-0.1B vertical-takeoff, vertical-landing models of the features of the moon,” Xombie, page 10

www..gov/ X-Press April 2015 L.A. County Air Show rocks

ED15-0087-09 NASA/Ken Ulbrich Martel Martinez greets visitors to the NASA exhibit.

ED15-0087-070 NASA/Ken Ulbrich ED15-0087-177 NASA/Ken Ulbrich Attendees had a chance to see what they The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds amazed crowds with acrobatics and formation flying. About 60 staff and volunteers from would look like in a NASA flight suit. NASA Armstrong participated in the NASA exhibit. More than 130,000 people attended the two-day event.

ED15-0087-071 NASA/Ken Ulbrich The NASA Armstrong F/A-18 was popular at the 2015 L.A. County Air Show.

ED15-0087-062 NASA/Ken Ulbrich Above, flight test engineer Michelle Haupt signs an autograph.

At right, a group of kids take a picture with a high altitude pressure suit.

At far right, NASA Armstrong historian Christian Gelzer talks to people about remotely piloted aircraft at the center. ED15-0087-059 NASA/Ken Ulbrich ED15-0087-011 NASA/Ken Ulbrich X-Press April 2015 Shin recognizes teams News By Jay Levine X-Press editor Jaiwon Shin, Aeronautics at NASA Research Mission Directorate associate administrator, recently presented an ARMD Associate Mercury Administrator’s award and announced an honorable mention mission for two of NASA Armstrong’s teams. In the category of Program and a success Mission Support, the group award After extraordinary science was presented to three NASA findings and technological Armstrong members of the agency- innovations, a NASA spacecraft wide Environmentally Responsible launched in 2004 to study Aviation, or ERA, Project Control Mercury will impact the planet’s Team including Jennifer Hinckley, surface, most likely on April 30, Rebecca Miani and Adam Rough. after it runs out of propellant. The team was nominated for NASA’s Mercury Surface, Space process controls and rigor that Environment, Geochemistry, ED14-0369-01 NASA/Ken Ulbrich incorporated lessons learned and Ranging (MESSENGER) from Phase I work and creating ARMD Associate Administrator Jaiwon Shin, right, and NASA Armstrong spacecraft will impact the planet a suite of processes for tackling Director David McBride, left, present an award to Rebecca Miani, second at more than 8,750 miles per eight integrated technology from left and Jennifer Hinckley, second from right. hour (3.91 kilometers per demonstrations in Phase II. Those second) on the side of the planet areas included risk and change guideline document to assist project from NASA Armstrong included: facing away from Earth. management, full cost integrated managers with a template when Derek Abramson, Brian Beaton, On April 14, mission operators master schedule, key decision point writing a risk management plan. Andrew D. Blua, Albion H. Bowers, in mission control at the Johns reviews, milestone completion Rough was the lead scheduler of Alan Brown (retired), Candance Hopkins University Applied documentation, integrated baseline the ACTE project portion of the Clements, Brent R. Cobleigh, Physics Laboratory (APL) in reviews and interim tabletop full cost integrated master schedule. Greg Coggins, Frank W. Cutler, Laurel, Maryland, completed walkthroughs. One process control He helped develop the baseline Christian Gelzer, Beth Hagenauer, a series of orbit correction feature called a “progress indicator” project schedule and modified the Michelle Haupt, Darlene Homiak, maneuvers designed to delay has since been replicated in all schedule to keep crucial milestones Mary Ann Harness, Chris Jennison, the spacecraft’s impact into the ARMD programs. Due to these on track. Rough also developed Robert “Red” Jensen, Tom P. Jones, surface of Mercury. practices, ERA completed all Phase briefing materials for key decision David Nils Larson, Jim “Clue” Although Mercury is one I demonstrations and moved with points and integrated baseline Less, Jay Levine, Kim L. Lewis-Bias of Earth’s nearest planetary confidence to Phase II work. reviews. and Steve L. Lighthill. In addition, neighbors, little was known Miani is the resource analyst Honorable mention for teams in the team included Lori A. Losey, about the planet prior to the for most of the ARMD projects at the same category of Program and Terri L. Lyon, Cam Martin, David MESSENGER mission. NASA Armstrong. The award was Mission Support was the Alternative D. McBride, Timothy R. Moes, The spacecraft traveled more specifically for her work on the Fuel Effects on Contrails andChris Naftel (retired), Jonathan B. than six and a half years before Active Compliant Control Trailing Cruise Emissions II, or ACCESS Neuhaus, Steve S. Parcel, Joseph it was inserted into orbit around Edge, or ACTE, project that is part II, NASA Social Team lead by Kate L. Piotrowski, Hernan D. Posada, Mercury on March 18, 2011. The of the ERA program. Squires. The advanced planningHerman “Chico” Rijfkogel, James mission was to orbit the planet Hinckley is the ACTE risk team from Armstrong included G. Sokolik, Brian D. Soukup, and collect data for a year. The manager who assessed, managed Gary S. Martin, Peter W. Merlin, Edmund K. Swan, Thomas P. spacecraft’s healthy instruments, and tracked all programmatic Kevin J. Rohrer and Squires. Key Tschida and John G. Zellmer. remaining fuel, and new questions risks and monitored project risk advanced planning members also The NASA ACCESS II team raised by early findings resulted progress. She facilitated meetings, included Ruben Del Rosario from members also included NASA in two operations extensions. documented programmatic and NASA Glenn Research Center Glenn’s Frances T. Jennings, One key science finding in 2012 technical risks, managed mitigation in Cleveland, Bruce E. Anderson NASA Langley’s Katherine A. provided compelling support efforts and developed briefing from the NASA Langley Research Barnstorff, Richard H. Moore, for the hypothesis that Mercury materials for key decision points Center in Hampton, Virginia, and Gregory L. Slover and Richard J. harbors abundant frozen water and integrated baseline reviews. Karen Rugg from ARMD at NASA Yasky, and from ARMD at NASA and other volatile materials in In the past Hinckley developed a Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Headquarters, Jim Banke and its permanently shadowed polar NASA Armstrong risk management The NASA ACCESS II team Garvey Mcintosh. craters. X-Press April 2015 McMurtry fondly remembered By Jay Levine McMurtry asked former NASA X-Press editor astronaut and then Dryden pilot Thomas C. McMurtry was Gordon Fullerton to fulfill Brockett’s respected by peers, admired for his request. A flight with Gordo was piloting skills and appreciated for enough to change Brockett’s mind. his mentoring by many who knew “By the end of the flight I realized him. The retired NASA Armstrong that I really wanted to stay with research pilot died Jan. 3. He was 79. NASA and not go back to airline He is known for his exploits flying. I went in an entirely different behind the stick of such aircraft as direction because McMurtry the triple-sonic YF-12C, the U-2 completely changed my mind. and F-104 aircraft during a career “I view him as a father figure and a that included more than 15,000 symbol of the right way to live your hours. This number includes 4,000 life. He exemplified all of the finest hours recorded while flying for two values of honesty and integrity and private aviation firms for 12 years properness and cheerfulness.” after his retirement from NASA. Brockett also recounted a McMurtry joined the NASA EC77-8142 NASA McMurtry F-104N flight that didn’t Flight Research Center (now NASA go as planned. The flight crews of the space shuttle prototype Enterprise and the NASA 747 Armstrong) in 1967 after service as a “McMurtry in an F-104 chased Shuttle Carrier Aircraft included, from left, Fitz Fulton, Gordon Fullerton, Vic U.S. Navy pilot and as a consultant the NASA B-52 that was to drop Horton, Fred Haise, Vincent Alvarez and Tom McMurtry. with the Lockheed Corporation. Bill Dana in the M2-F3 He was a project pilot on some aircraft during a test mission over the of the most significant flight lakebed,” Brockett recalled a story research projects in the center’s McMurtry told him, “He was to fly history during his 32-year tenure, safety chase. The F-104 was close to including the AD-1 oblique wing stalling to stay slow enough to remain project, the F-15 Digital Electronic behind the lifting body and monitor Engine Control project, the KC- flight control positions. About the 135 winglets study and the F-8 time of release of the lifting body, Supercritical Wing project for which McMurtry stalled and the aircraft he received NASA’s Exceptional went into a spin. Service Medal. “The lifting body was flying, He also served as co-project pilot but everyone was riveted on the on a number of other flight research F-104 in a spin. The aircraft were projects, including the F-8 Digital notoriously hard to pull out. He had Fly-By-Wire project and the X-24B tried three recovery attempts. Then lifting body. McMurtry also flew he tried once more and this time the one of the two modified NASA 747 aircraft’s nose dropped low enough Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, ECN-3442 NASA that the F-104 came out of the spin that ferried space shuttles from Project pilot Tom McMurtry is pictured on the ramp with the TF-8A Crusader right in position at the wing of the , California, Supercritical Wing research vehicle. McMurtry received NASA’s Exceptional lifting body and flew through the to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Service Medal for his work piloting the aircraft. mission as if nothing had happened. Bill Brockett, a longtime NASA McMurtry said, ‘It would have been pilot, flew missions of the Kuiper Brockett said. “ He was one-of-a “I was going to retire from really embarrassing if I had to eject Airborne Observatory, the precursor kind, polite and well spoken. NASA and go back to industry to on a chase flight.’” to the Stratospheric Observatory He was rock solid and steady as become an airline pilot,” Brockett Bradley Flick, NASA Armstrong for Infrared Astronomy, with anybody I ever met. The first thing said. “Six weeks before retirement director for Research and Engineering, McMurtry at the NASA Ames that struck me was his big smile and I received an e-mail from Tom and recalled working for McMurtry as a Research Center in Moffett Field, how all the young Air Force guys an offer to assist me with references. young operations engineer. California. Brockett also came to marveled at meeting him. “ I responded that I really enjoyed “While Tom was not formally NASA Dryden (now Armstrong) as When Brockett was going to working with him and only regret a mentor to me, I enjoyed a very a result of McMurtry’s prompting. retire from NASA in the late never having taken him up on an good, open relationship with him “It’s difficult to think about him 1990s, McMurtry factored into the offer to go on an F/A-18 ride.” without going to superlatives,” decision. A week before he retired, McMurtry, page 11 X-Press April 2015 ‘Dean of Flight Test’ dies at 89 By Peter W. Merlin He always said the B-58 was his NASA Armstrong Public Affairs favorite airplane. His small pickup Distinguished former NASA truck license plate said, YB-58,” research pilot Fitzhugh L. Fulton Armstrong said. Jr., described by colleagues as “The Fulton was project pilot on the Dean of Flight Test,” died Feb. 4. NB-52B mothership that launched He was 89. the rocket-powered X-15 research During a career in the military, aircraft, wingless lifting bodies civil service and industry, he logged and a variety of remotely piloted over 16,000 flying hours in more vehicles. While in the Air Force he than 240 types of aircraft from had also flown the B-29 and B-50 the triple-sonic, titanium and motherships used to air-launch the composite SR-71 to the corrugated X-1 and X-2 rocket planes. tin, prop-driven Ford Tri-Motor. He was the pilot of the Boeing 747 He piloted airplanes of all sizes, Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) on from the diminutive Cessna 210 to all captive and free-flight tests of the the behemoth C-5A. Fulton retired EC72-2977 NASA Enterprise in the 1977 Approach and from NASA in 1986 after 20 years at Landing Test series. Fulton was twice Fulton piloted the triple-sonic YF-12A for high-speed, high-altitude research the agency’s Flight Research Center awarded NASA’s Exceptional Service missions in a joint program with the Air Force from 1969 to 1979. (now Armstrong) and 23 years of Air Medal for flying the SCA, which he Force service that included support also piloted during ferry missions of the Operation Crossroads atomic to return operational orbiters to bomb tests in 1946 and more than Kennedy Space Center, Florida, 200 missions during the Berlin following their return from space. Airlift in 1948 and 1949. Fulton repeatedly demonstrated Following combat service in his piloting skills. Korea and a 14-year assignment as “My admiration for Fitz’s flying an Air Force test pilot at Edwards skills continued through the X-15 Air Force Base, Fulton joined program when he was pilot of the NASA on Aug. 1, 1966. Over the B-52 mothership and I was in the next two decades he flew more control room guiding him to the than 60 different types of aircraft critical launch point for launch of from sailplanes and helicopters to the X-15,” Armstrong said. high-performance supersonic jet His admiration only grew during fighters and bombers. He piloted the Approach and Landing Tests some of the world’s fastest jet planes with a NASA B-52 and the Space including the XB-70 and YF-12, Shuttle Enterprise prototype. EC80-13307 NASA each capable of speeds in excess “He also became a hero to many of 2,000 mph and altitudes above In 1980 Fulton flew the AD-1, a research aircraft designed to investigate the when he flew the risky first flight 70,000 feet. concept of an oblique (or pivoting) wing. of the 747 with the space shuttle Former NASA Dryden pilot mounted on top,” Armstrong said. Don Mallick first met Fulton “I recall being in a meeting when when he was an observer from “The experience of flying with and X-24B lifting body aircraft Fitz was a great one. He was an and was a member of the U.S. Paul Bikle was director about the NASA Langley Research Center in risk associated with the concept Hampton, Virginia. Mallick saw outstanding flier, both in physical Department of Defense team control of the aircraft and the that evaluated the space shuttles, long before the decision was made first hand Fulton’s skill on a Dryden to fly it. When asked if he would sonic boom project with the B-58. headwork in flying,” Mallick said. also had his first experiences with “I can say without question that he Fulton on the B-58. fly in such a test, Fitz responded, ‘I “I was very impressed with will not fly in it, but I will fly it.’ I his preparation in tech and crew was the smoothest, most proficient “In October 1957 I had my first aviator that I have ever had the YB-58 flight with Maj. Fitz Fulton. already miss my friend and hero.” briefings and especially with the way Fulton served as project pilot on Fitz flew the B-58 missions in such a experience of flying with . He is sorely In addition to the thrills associated missed, but will never be forgotten.” with flying to Mach 2, Fitz developed a specially modified C-140 JetStar precise manner,” Mallick said. for the Laminar Flow Control As Mallick’s instructor pilot, they Johnny Armstrong, who includes my confidence and cared like a flew together in the TB-58 and in his accomplishments flightfather. It was a special relationship Fulton, page 11 B-52. planning for the X-15, the X-24A that continued throughout his life. X-Press April 2015 X-Press April 2015 SALUTE highlights Armstrong work, capabilities By Jay Levine X-Press Editor Edwards Air Force Base community members and local school students were invited to learn more about what Armstrong employees do and the center’s capabilities at a March 2 event. The event was called the Science and Aerospace Leaders United as Team Edwards, or SALUTE. A diverse set of 15 presentations and 70 exhibits showcased nearly every area of the center for the more than 1,400 attendees and Armstrong employees. “Hopefully we will see even more communication and efficiencies develop between the Air Force and NASA,” said Zachary Wright, one ED15-0061-156 NASA/Tom Tschida ED15-0061-109 NASA/Tom Tschida of the coordinators. “Feedback from the schools was overwhelmingly Patrick Chan explains a feature of the Ikhana to U.S. Air Force Test Center Jennifer Cole shows SALUTE event visitors the uses of a water tunnel. positive. In addition, we believe Commander Maj. Gen. Arnold Bunch Jr. there will be a lasting impact from the SALUTE event, especially people who are excellent at from the NASA relationships solving equations, but there that were developed as everyone are skills in other areas came together to make the event a ED15-0061-125 NASA/Tom Tschida that also contribute to the success.” center’s work. Some skills SALUTE event attendees were able to see a ER-2 fly in the skies overhead. Alexander Chin, Brittany Martin are aimed at translating and Wright first conceived the what ‘nerds’ talk about SALUTE idea more than a year into language, graphics ago. They were 2014 classmates and images that the rest of in the Foundations of Influence, the world understands and Relationships, Success, and thinks are cool.” Teamwork, or FIRST program. In one case, the ED15-0061-057 NASA/Tom Tschida organizers were asked FIRST is a NASA early career Sixth grader Skye White holds a shape memory about the possibility of leadership development program alloy bar as Matt Moholt applies hot air to another tour. that requires a center-oriented straighten it out. project. The idea of adding a “One principal said the science, technology, engineering tour of the Armstrong fabrication Each center organization also and math, or STEM, element for branch and machine shops showed had an integral role in touting the ED15-0061-101 NASA/Tom Tschida the schools seemed a natural fit as students that kind of work can be center’s missions, capabilities and Above, Carl the idea blossomed. more than just a hobby,” Martin people, Wright added. Magnusson and “One major objective of the said. “He wanted to know if it was “Armstrong employees were Trevor Haupt, from project was to increase community ED15-0061-020 NASA/Tom Tschida ED15-0061-073 NASA/Tom Tschida possible to coordinate a tour more excited and came up and said, left, talk about the awareness of NASA Armstrong’s focused on those areas. We are ‘Hey, that was awesome. We really DC-8 aircraft. missions and contributions,” Chin Eighth grader Moon Gonzales tests a wind turbine design Ethan Baumann answers students’ questions about careers looking into that possibility.” enjoyed it,’” he said. said. “Most military personnel at the SALUTE event. in aeronautics. Armstrong employees were a For Armstrong presenters, At left, Jason Nelson are only stationed at Edwards for focus. the SALUTE also offered an explains that the a few years. It is unfortunate that SALUTE event was a great way to Seeing workers who are diverse mix of jobs at NASA. “It also was one of our goals opportunity. Onsrud Five Axis many of them do not usually have increase the visibility of the center employed in a wide spectrum “You don’t have to be a rocket to give Armstrong employees an “People are excited about what Router is used for a chance to visit NASA Armstrong by inviting our U.S. Air Force of careers was a boost to many scientist to work at NASA,” Martin opportunity to see what other areas they do, they just needed a chance cutting out molds for to see all of the work we do. The colleagues to visit.” students who were unaware of the said. “We have a lot of scientists and are doing,” she said. to show it off,” Martin said. composite layout. ED15-0061-106 NASA/Tom Tschida X-Press April 2015 Out of this world certification By Leslie Williams encapsulated in clear Lucite. NASA Armstrong acting news chief During the workshop, teachers A Lunar and Meteorite Disk engaged in hands-on, standards- Certification educator workshop was based activities for learning about held at the NASA Armstrong Office accretion, differentiation, cratering of Education’s Resource Center and volcanism. located at the Aerospace Education “Even though the purpose of Research and Operations, or AERO, the workshop was the certification Institute in Palmdale on Feb. 21. for lunar rocks and meteorites, the Twenty-seven regional teachers workshop provided activities that are and one from New York participated relevant to sixth-grade science,” said in a professional development Geoffrey Langbehn, Summerwind workshop that was presented Elementary School. “Specifically, by education specialist Barbara the lava layering activity fits nicely Buckner, subject matter expert with ‘Shaping Earth’s Surface’ in Peter Merlin and education resource the sixth-grade science curriculum center manager Sondra Geddes. as does the impact craters activity. I Having a Lunar and Meteorite look forward to implementing both Disk Certification permits educators ED15-0049-069 NASA/Ken Ulbrich with my students.” to submit a request to borrow the Peter Merlin, a former NASA lunar or meteorite disk for use in Teachers learn about a volcanism activity known as lava layering using historian and current strategic their classroom. Equipped with baking soda and vinegar to simulate a volcanic eruption. communications specialist explained guides and workshop knowledge, the various types of meteorites and teachers can share these small in class are throughout the universe composition and compare that to their origin and shared his personal portions of extraterrestrial materials and here are actual fragments of earth rocks.” meteorite collection including with their students to learn more extraterrestrial rocks with the same The workshop featured lunar specimens of the recent Chelyabinsk about the moon and meteorites. elements,” said Joe Vanasco from disks with moon rock and soil meteorite impact in Russia. He also “I am excited to show my Walter O’Connell High School. samples brought back from discussed the Rosetta mission to students that the elements we study “Then we can explore percent the historic Apollo missions orbit and land on a comet. Armstrong researchers publish work NASA Armstrong research Test Article,” AIAA-2015-2060, “Strain Gage Loads Calibration Tool for Rectangular Wing resulted in nine articles and technical presented at the 56th AIAA/ASME/ Testing With Airbag Support Aeroservoelastic Studies,” AIAA- publications and recognition. ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, for the Gulfstream III Subsonic 2015-1135, presented at SciTech Structural Dynamics, and Materials Research Aircraft Testbed,” AIAA- 2015, Kissimmee, Florida, January January Conference, Kissimmee, Florida, 2015-2020, presented at the 5-9, 2015. Albion H. Bowers, Oscar J. January 5-9, 2015. AIAA SciTech 2015 conference, William Ko and Van Fleischer Murillo Jr., Robert “Red” Jensen, Curtis E. Hanson, Christopher Kissimmee, Florida, January 5-9, had their article entitled, “Half- Brian Eslinger and Christian J. Miller, John H. Wall, Tannen S. 2015. Cycle Crack Growth” appear in the Gelzer collaborated on, “Spanload Vanzwieten, Eric T. Gilligan and Chan-gi Pak presented his January 2015 edition of the NASA Implications for the Flight of Birds,” Jeb Stuart Orr collaborated on, paper, “Wing Shape Sensing from Tech Briefs magazine. a journal article prepared for the “Launch Vehicle Manual Steering Measured Strain,” AIAA-2015- At the AIAA SciTech 2015 consideration of the editorial board with Adaptive Augmenting 1427, at the 56th AIAA/ASME/ conference in Kissimmee, Florida of the journal “PLOS ONE,” @ Control: In-Flight Evaluations of ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, two NASA Armstrong researchers Public Library of Science, ISSN Adverse Interactions using a Piloted Structural Dynamics, and were recognized with a Certificate 1932-6203. Aircraft,” AIAA-2015-1776, Materials Conference, January 5-9, of Merit for Best Papers in the Alexander W. Chin, Claudia Y. presented at AIAA SciTech 2015, 2015, Kissimmee, Florida. Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Best Herrera, Natalie D. Spivey, William Kissimmee, Florida, January 5-9, Chan-gi Pak wrote, “Wing Paper category. A. Fladung and David Cloutier 2015. Shape Sensing from Measured Peter Suh and Alexander Chin co-authored, “Experimental William A. Lokos, Eric J. Miller, Strain,” NASA/TM-2015-218358. of NASA Armstrong and Dimitri Validation of the Dynamic Inertia Larry D. Hudson, Andrew C. Peter M. Suh, Howard J. N. Mavris of the Georgia Institute Measurement Method to find the Holguin, David C. Neufeld, and Conyers, and Dimitri N. Mavris, Mass Properties of an Iron Bird Ronnie Haraguchi co-authored, “Rapid State Space Modeling Research, page 12 X-Press April 2015 SAA system demonstration is a success By Peter W. Merlin challenges of integrating UAS into NASA Armstrong Public Affairs the National Airspace System; a NASA, the Federal Aviation topic that has increasingly proved Administration (FAA), General its relevance as several industries Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA- across the country identify the need ASI) and Honeywell International to fly UAS. Completing these recent Inc. have successfully demonstrated flight tests has brought us one more a proof-of-concept sense-and-avoid step toward accomplishing that (SAA) system, marking a major goal.” milestone to inform the development GA-ASI worked with NASA of standards and regulations to Armstrong to integrate the new safely integrate Unmanned Aircraft system aboard NASA’s Ikhana Systems (UAS) in the National research aircraft, a civilian version Airspace System (NAS). The results of the company’s Predator B. The ED14-0341-44 NASA/Carla Thomas of this demonstration will aid in the flight-test campaign in November NASA is using the remotely piloted Ikhana in the UAS-NAS project, an development of the FAA’s Airborne and December 2014 evaluated important research effort for improving safety and reducing technical barriers Collision Avoidance System For the SAA system in a wide variety and operational challenges associated with flying unmanned aircraft in airspace Unmanned Aircraft (ACAS Xu) of collision-avoidance and self- shared by commercial and civil air traffic. and contribute to the broader UAS separation encounters between community. two remotely piloted aircraft development of SAA technology collaboration has achieved an According to UAS-NAS project and various manned aircraft and with NASA, the FAA, and our important step for the safe and manager Laurie Grindle, “Our included a sensor fusion algorithm industry partners,” said Frank efficient integration of UAS into team is working toward solving our being developed by Honeywell. Pace, president, Aircraft Systems, common goal of overcoming the “GA-ASI is proud to continue GA-ASI. “This public-privateSystem, page 12 ER-2 completes satellite validation flight series By Kate Squires two polar-orbiting NASA’s ER-2 aircraft operates at NASA Armstrong Public Affairs satellites operated approximately 70,000 feet, flying NASA’s high-altitude ER-2 by European above most of the Earth’s atmosphere aircraft completed a series of Organization for that enables a measurement validation flights last month in the Exploitation perspective closest to that seen by support of the Earth-observing of Meteorological overhead satellites, a critical element NASA/NOAA Suomi National Satellites. Thein satellite sensor validation. Polar-orbiting Partnership flight profilesThe remote sensing instruments satellite, or Suomi NPP. The not only enable that were flown aboard the ER-2 were campaign was jointly sponsored validation but also all operated by NASA Ames Research by NASA and NOAA and cross-validation Center in Moffett Field, California. based out of Keflavik, Iceland, among the The ER-2 is one of a fleet of conducting science flights from NASA/Brian Hobbs platforms. modified aircraft that support NASA’s March 7 to 31, 2015. The ER-2 crew makes adjustments in Keflavik, Iceland, as Information Airborne Science Program under the The mission primarilythe pilot and aircraft prepare for take off. from these Science Mission Directorate and is addressed characterizing Suomi flights is used to based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight NPP’s Cross-track Infrared Sounder future numerical weather prediction establish the accuracy of Suomi Research Center’s Building 703 in (CrIS), Aqua’s Atmospheric Infrared (NWP) data assimilation studies NPP’s measurements. The study Palmdale, California. Sounder (AIRS), and the MetOp-A using satellite data. also provides comparisons of the The Suomi NPP mission is a and MetOp-B Infrared Atmospheric ER-2 calibration flights were information from other satellites bridge between NASA’s legacy Earth- Sounding Interferometer (IASI) timed to fly directly under the to verify the overall accuracy for a observing missions and NOAA’s instruments’ absolute and relative path of Suomi NPP. These same multitude of observations ultimately next-generation Joint Polar Satellite performance in observing extremely aircraft flight profiles were defined benefiting end-user applications, System. Suomi NPP, NOAA’s cold scenes. The mission also sought to also obtain simultaneous aircraft including those related to weather primary polar orbiting weather to improve geophysical parameter measurements parallel with the forecasting and climate models. satellite, carries groundbreaking new retrieval performance for such NASA Aqua satellite, which gathers This information also provides a Earth-observing instruments that challenging polar atmospheres as information about Earth’s water wealth of input in support of other will fly on the other satellites in the well as provide anchor points for cycle, and MetOp-A and MetOp-B, future scientific studies. JPSS constellation. X-Press April 2015

X-56A... from page 1 load alleviation for new kinds of envelope, and verify preflightparticipants from several NASA generation of aerospace vehicles lightweight, flexible aircraft. The predictions regarding aircraft centers; engineers at Langley will pose serious challenges to second airframe – dubbed Buckeye behavior. The results will inform Research Center in Hampton, designers’ ability to model, predict, – arrived at Armstrong on June 2, planning for the next phase of Virginia, and Glenn Research and control potentially destructive 2014. Three low-speed taxi tests testing. Center in Cleveland, Ohio, are aeroservoelastic dynamics and to were conducted in January 2015 Leveraging the AFRL-sponsored involved with modeling and exploit efficiency gains from lighter, and a medium-speed taxi test was program affords NASA with a analysis while Armstrong and more flexible structures. The use of accomplished in March. Buckeye’s unique opportunity to obtain AFRL are responsible for flight- real world flight systems such as the initial flights will allow researchers to significant expertise in modeling, testing. Lockheed Martin also X-56A MUTT will impart unique checkout aircraft systems, evaluate analysis, and control of real- provides vital assistance and knowledge and expertise that will handling qualities, characterize and world aeroservoelastic challenges. support. benefit the development of such expand the airplane’s performance The agency’s effort includes Researchers believe the next vehicles across all speed regimes.

System... from page 9 civilian airspace by leveraging applied to the algorithm as the (TCAS II) messages and proof of separation displays and algorithms NASA’s unique test capabilities and air-to-air encounters were flown concept Automatic Dependent and their ability to effectively the FAA’s novel collision avoidance in actual conflict conditions. These Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) inform the UAS pilot of nearby technology.” flights were also the first time that messages. For these tests, air traffic traffic and help resolve conflicts in Initial SAA flight tests successfully a coordinated automatic response designated as a non-cooperative a timely manner. These flight tests demonstrated both the automatic was employed by a UAS to resolve intruder was tracked using an also validated airborne radar and collision avoidance system as well collision avoidance conflicts.air-to-air radar system developed ADS-B surveillance simulation as pilot-in-the-loop self-separation In addition, tests involving by GA-ASI. ACAS Xu is the models on sensor performance and functionality for UAS. Over the Armstrong’s Ikhana and a GA- first collision avoidance function uncertainties to help determine course of five weeks, nine flights ASI owned Predator B marked the designed explicitly for UAS. the effects of these parameters and were conducted. The team flew first air-to-air collision avoidance It can be matched to aircraft environmental conditions on self- 170 encounters and collected encounters between two UAS. performance and is designed separation algorithm’s performance. over 50 hours of flight data with Objectives of this effortto be fully interoperable with Flight-testing of collision-avoidance notable accomplishments. These included evaluation of the future ACAS X variants as well and self-separation technology flight tests marked the first time performance of ACAS Xu collision as with legacy systems such as the contributes to ongoing work to that a UAS collision avoidance avoidance algorithms against air TCAS II currently used on most develop a technical standard for a system was tested without artificial traffic using both legacy Traffic commercial transport aircraft. sense/detect-and-avoid system for horizontal and vertical offsets Collision Avoidance System Researchers evaluated three self- UAS. Research... from page 8 of Technology were recognized for December 3175) (TR/RG/EK). Edward T. Schairer and Louise A. their collaboration on, “Robust Timothy Risch published, Walker collaborated on, “Flight Modal Filtering and Control of the “Blended Wing Body (BWB) Low November Validation of an Air-to-Air X-56A Model with Simulated Fiber Speed Vehicle X-48B Phase 1.5 Daniel W. Banks, James T. Background Oriented Schlieren Optic Sensor Failures,” AIAA 2014- Flight Test Data Report,” ITAR Heineck, Paul S. Bean, Brittany Technique,” ITAR NASA/TM- 2053. NASA/TM-2014-218364. (H- J. Martin, David Nils Larson, 2014-218323.

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