David Allen Corder

US Patent:

7958780, Jun 14, 2011

Filed:

Dec 3, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/630218

Inventors:

David A. Corder - Tucson AZ, US
Kevin W. Elsberry - Tucson AZ, US

Assignee:

Raytheon Company - Waltham MA

International Classification:

G01M 9/00
G06G 7/48

US Classification:

73147

Abstract:

A wind tunnel testing technique or method involves using feedback to position control surfaces of a model so that there is substantially no moment on the model for its given orientation to the airstream. The model is mounted on a sting that allows change in orientation of the model relative to the airstream. A balance is used to provide data regarding the forces and/or moments on the model. This data on forces and/or moments is used in one or more feedback loops to position the control surfaces of the model so that there are substantially no moments on the model. This may be done automatically, with a controller automatically controlling the position of the control surfaces to zero out the moments on the model. The use of the method may allow faster determination of model characteristics, such as determination of the trim envelope of the model.

US Patent:

20050218260, Oct 6, 2005

Filed:

Sep 23, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/951041

Inventors:

David Corder - Tucson AZ, US
Jeffrey Koessler - Tucson AZ, US
George Webb - Tucson AZ, US

International Classification:

B64C003/56

US Classification:

244049000

Abstract:

An air-launched aircraft includes deployable wings, elevons, and vertical fins that deploy from a fuselage during flight. The aircraft may include a control system for operating the elevons, a communication system, and batteries for powering the systems. In addition, the aircraft may include a payload module that mates with an interface in the fuselage. The payload module may include any of a variety of payloads, including cameras, sensors, and/or radar emitters. The aircraft may be powered or unpowered, and may be very small, for example, less than on the order of 10 kg (22 pounds). The aircraft may be employed at a low cost for any of a wide variety of functions, such as surveillance, or as a decoy. The deployable surfaces of the aircraft may be configured to deploy in a pre-determined order, allowing the aircraft automatically to enter controlled flight after being launched in a tumbling mode.