Technique Used to Perform Rocket-Plane Free-Flight Tests

Abstract

Abstract This paper includes description of the technique that was applied for free-flight (drop) tests of the rocket-plane scaled model. The main aim of the experiment was to validate the numerical approach to be used to simulate the gliding flight of the rocket-plane, especially the transition between high to low angles of attack and the rocket-plane response to control. The primary goal of this paper is to show what kind of challenges must be addressed when planning the flight test campaign. This paper includes description of how the rocket-plane model was scaled and built, the model preparation, experimental design and flight procedure. This paper shows an overview of how the experiment can be planned for different scenarios and the lessons learned during the deep stall free-flight tests.