The ongoing history of the Task-type Wind Tunnel Balance

Abstract

AIAA AVIATION 2023, 12 JUNE – 16 JUNE 2023, San Diego, California SPECIAL SESSION TITLE: “65 years of TASK Wind Tunnel Balances – Past, Present and Future” PRESENTATION TYPE (technical paper or oral presentation): Technical Presentation PAPER/PRESENTATION TITLE: The ongoing history of the Task-type Wind Tunnel Balance. PRESENTER(S)/AFFILIATION Tony Snyder Owner Aerophysics Research Instruments 1869 Pomona Rd. Unit A Corona, Ca. 92878 Phone: 951-340-4694 E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT: This presentation will discuss the history of the TASK line of wind tunnel Balances, providing an overview of the events that lead original designers, Mr. Elmer Ward and Mr. Howard Ward, to develop the TASK type Balance. Developed in the early 1950’s and placed into production by Elmer Ward, with his business, Task Corporation, this six-component, floating outer sleeve Balance design has provided wind tunnels around the world with a consistently reliable, data producing platform. With origins in Pasadena, Ca., we will discuss how over 65 years, shaped by Clients demands and advancements in materials and technology, the TASK line of Balances have evolved to provide the Client with a Balance designed for their specific use. This discussion will also provide insight into how our company, Aerophysics Research Instruments, continues the tradition of providing for the design and production of new and old Task type Balance sizes and load ranges. With 281 Balance designs and near 700 Balances produced since 1953, with many of these Balances still in use, we will also discuss our capability to repair/update any of these Balances by maintaining records of all engineering reports, drawings etc. for every Balance ever produced. Also discussed will be insight into the lives of both Elmer Ward and Howard Ward, from their birthplace in Parma, Ohio to their respective re-locations in Southern California. Touching on how their enjoyment of aviation permeated through their work with Elmer Wards’ hobby of restoring and flying WWII aircraft and how this hobby became a business. This paper is to be presented in the invited special session titled: “65 years of TASK Wind Tunnel Balances – Past. Present and Future.”