Advanced Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (ASTOVL) Concepts Tested

20050169204 · NASA · 1995

Public domain · NASATechnical Reports

Overview

Publisher: NASA
Document: 20050169204
Year: 1995
Pages: 1

Key points

An advanced short takeoff and vertical landing (ASTOVL) model was tested in a NASA wind tunnel.
The model was a 10-percent scaled version tested over headwind velocities from 25 to 120 knots.
The testing is part of a Department of Defense program to investigate technologies for future ASTOVL aircraft.
The Lockheed concept involves a shaft-coupled lift fan system using Pratt & Whitney's F119 power plant.
Successful data acquisition from the tests may reduce risks for full-scale aircraft development.

Frequently asked questions

What was the purpose of the ASTOVL model testing?

The purpose of the test was to acquire data pertinent to the inlet-forebody model.

What organizations were involved in the ASTOVL program?

The program was a cooperative effort between NASA, Lockheed Corporation, and the Advanced Research and Projects Agency (ARPA).

What type of aircraft is the ASTOVL model intended to replace?

The ASTOVL version is intended to replace Marine and possibly British Harrier aircraft.

What kind of data was obtained from the tests?

Both steady-state and dynamic data were obtained during the testing.

When are the manufacturing development phases for the ASTOVL and CTOL versions scheduled to begin?

The manufacturing development phases are scheduled to begin in 2000.

Document

Advanced Short Takeoff and Vertical

Landing (ASTOVL) Concepts Tested

Front view of ASTOVL model.

In this cooperative program between NASA, Lockheed Corporation, and the Advanced Research and Projects Agency (ARPA) , an advanced short takeoff and vertical landing (ASTOVL) model was tested in the 9- by 15-Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel at the NASA Lewis Research Center. The 10-percent scaled model was tested over a range of headwind velocities from 25 to 120 kn. This inlet/forebody test was a key part of an important Department of Defense program investigation enabling technologies for future high- performance ASTOVL aircraft.

The Lockheed concept is focused on a shaft-coupled lift fan system centered around Pratt & Whitney's F119 power plant. As envisioned, a conventional takeoff and landing version (CTOL) would replace the U.S. Air Force's F-16's. The ASTOVL version would eventually replace Marine and, possibly, British Harrier aircraft. The ASTOVL and CTOL versions are scheduled to begin their manufacturing development phases in 2000.

The purpose of this test was to acquire data pertinent to the inlet-forebody model. The test was very successful. Both steady-state and dynamic data were obtained. This small- scale testing, which is directed at reducing risks, may greatly reduce the risks on a full- scale aircraft.