Title page for ETD etd-12212011-213705

Type of Document

Master's Thesis

Author

Aarons, Tyler David

Author's Email Address

taarons@vt.edu, tyler.aarons@l-3com.com, tyler.d.aarons@gmail.com

URN

etd-12212011-213705

Title

Development and Implementation of a Flight Test Program for a Geometrically Scaled Joined Wing SensorCraft Remotely Piloted Vehicle

Degree

Master of Science

Department

Aerospace and Ocean Engineering

Advisory Committee

Advisor Name	Title
Canfield, Robert A.	Committee Co-Chair
Woolsey, Craig A.	Committee Co-Chair
Lindsley, Ned J.	Committee Member

Keywords

Flight Test
SensorCraft
Joined Wing
RPV
Remotely Piloted Vehicle
Scaling
UAS
UAV
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Unmanned Aircraft

Date of Defense

2011-10-05

Availability

unrestricted

Abstract

The development and implementation of a flight test program for an unmanned
aircraft is a multidisciplinary challenge. This thesis presents the development and
implementation of a rigorous test program for the flight test of a Geometrically
Scaled Joined Wing SensorCraft Remotely Piloted Vehicle from concept through
successful flight test. The design methodology utilized in the development of the
test program is presented, along with the extensive formal review process required
for the approval of the test plan by the Air Force Research Laboratory. The
design, development and calibration of a custom instrumentation package is also
presented along with the setup, procedure and results from all testing. Results are
presented for a wind tunnel test for air data boom calibration, propulsion system
static thrust testing, a bifilar pendulum test for experimental calculation of mass
moments of inertia, a static structural loading test for structural design validation,
a full taxi test and a successful first flight.

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