University
Pathfinder Plus Pilot Project: Pathfinder Plus Refurbishment
DFRC is refurbishing the Pathfinder Plus solar-electric aircraft in preparation for flight testing in 2004. Towards this end AERO will engage Space Grant institutions to:
- Updating MIT ASWING software code
- Develop an aeroservoelastic model of the Pathfinder and Helios solar aircraft that includes non-linear modeling.
- Develop subsystem models and modeling software code for flight control system, aeroservoelastic, and turbulence.
- Validate Codes and Models with HALE aircraft flight test data
Direct Connect Pilot Project:
D-Rex Engine Project Direct Connect Testing Goals:
- Conducting tests to support flight demonstration of a ducted-rocket experiment on the F-15B aircraft.
- In a phase of testing known as Direct Connect Testing.
- Supporting student scholarships and fellowships for Senior and Graduate level design and operations class.
- Supporting developmental testing of the D-Rex engine in the Direct-Connect Facility.