High Alpha Research Vehicle
The High Alpha (angle of attack) Research Vehicle was a modified F/A-18 Hornet used by NASA in a 3-phase program investigating controlled flight at high angles of attack using thrust vectoring, modifications to the flight controls, and forebody strakes. The program lasted from April 1987 to September 1996.[1][2]
NASA reported that Dryden Flight Research Center "research pilots Bill Dana and Ed Schneider completed the envelope expansion flights in February 1992. Demonstrated capabilities included stable flight at approximately 70 degrees angle of attack (previous maximum was 55 degrees) and rolling at high rates at 65 degrees angle of attack. Controlled rolling would have been nearly impossible above 35 degrees without vectoring."[3]
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
- ^ Jenkins, Dennis R. (2000). F/A-18 Hornet: A Navy Success Story. New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0071346961.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) fact sheet, NASA/Dryden Flight Research Center.
- ^ NASA Past Projects: F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle, NASA