NASA’s Hyper-X Research Vehicle will provide a unique opportunity to obtain data on an operational airframe integrated scramjet propulsion system at true flight conditions. The airframe integrated nature of the scramjet engine with the Hyper-X vehicle results in a strong coupling effect between the propulsion system operation and the airframe’s basic aerodynamic characteristics. Comments on gen...

This article deals with the design of helicopter UAV airframe components. There is a description of UAV airframe design modelling involving already existing components in three-dimensional (3D) form. The modelling methodology focuses in detail on proposed bulkheads by using “top-downbottom-up” methodology. In conclusion, there is a brief description of all proposed bulkheads and an outline of p...

The Airframe subproject within NASA’s Next Generation Launch Technology (NGLT) program has the responsibility to develop airframe technology for both rocket and airbreathing vehicles for access to space. The Airframe sub-project pushes the state-ofthe-art in airframe technology for low-cost, reliable, and safe space transportation. Both low and medium technology readiness level (TRL) activities...

Introduction: Astrobiology is by nature a system-level science , meaning that it is concerned with complex, multidisciplinary, multiphenomena behaviors of large physical and biological systems. Due to the breadth of the undertakings in astrobiolog-ical inquiry, researchers in the field must rely heavily on information technology to consolidate and represent knowledge and data from across many d...

High intensity acoustic radiation occurs when turbulence convects past airframe trailing edges. A mathematical model is developed to predict this acoustic radiation. The model is dependent on the local flow and turbulent statistics above the trailing edge of the flight vehicle airframe. These quantities are dependent on the jet and flight vehicle Mach numbers and jet temperature. A term in the ...

This paper provides an overview of analytical tools and methods for developing airframe load spectra at the Rotorcraft Division of Boeing. Legacy methods for airframe and dynamic component loads provide the foundation for improved airframe methods that include low-cycle maneuver sequence loading as well as high-cycle vibratory loading. Different simulation models have been developed to calculat...

Meeting future goals for aircraft and air traffic system performance will require new airframes with more highly integrated propulsion. Previous studies have evaluated hybrid wing body (HWB) configurations with various numbers of engines and with increasing degrees of propulsion-airframe integration. A recently published configuration with 12 small engines partially embedded in a HWB aircraft, ...

The integration of propulsion and airframe is fundamental to the design of an aircraft system. Many considerations influence the integration, such as structural, aerodynamic, and maintenance factors. In regard to the acoustics of an aircraft, the integration can have significant effects on the net radiated noise. Whether an engine is mounted above a wing or below can have a significant effect o...

Using an aircraft fuel tank as an industrial case-study, the paper describes some recent research developments at BAE SYSTEMS that allow the airframe and systems life-cycles to become better aligned. In particular, the paper demonstrates that the design and analysis of the fuel system can be integrated with the airframe structure. This will reduce qualification times in the future and enable Si...