F-18 HARV (High Alpha Research Vehicle)
Virginia Air & Space Science Center
NASA Langley Visitor Center
NASA's Dryden (now Armstrong) Flight Research Center in California used this F-18 Hornet fighter as its High Angle-of-Attack (Alpha) Research Vehicle (HARV) in a three-phased flight research program lasting from April 1987 until September 1996. The aircraft completed 385 research flights and demonstrated stabilized flight at angles of attack between 65 and 70 degrees using thrust vectoring vanes, a research flight control system and forebody strakes.
This combination of technologies provided carefree handling of a fighter aircraft in a part of the flight regime that was otherwise very dangerous. Flight research with the HARV increased our understanding of flight at high angles-of-attack, enabling designers of U.S. fighter aircraft to design planes that will safely fly in portions of the flight envelope that pilots previously had to avoid.
Background: In the early 1980s, NASA initiated a High-Angle-of-Attack Technology Program among the aeronautics research centers (Langley, Ames, Dryden and Glenn). In recognition of extensive accomplishments in this field, Langley Research Center was designated the lead technology center for the program, while Dryden Flight Research Center was designated the lead for flight research and operations.
The F-18 used for HARV had been heavily "cannibalized" for parts by the Navy, never expecting it to fly again. It arrived at NASA Dryden in pieces in October 1984, missing 400 parts. Dryden mechanics and technicians had to find substitute parts and reassemble the aircraft, creating the "Silk Purse" from the "Sow's Ear."
F-18 HARV (High Alpha Research Vehicle)
Virginia Air & Space Science Center
NASA Langley Visitor Center
NASA's Dryden (now Armstrong) Flight Research Center in California used this F-18 Hornet fighter as its High Angle-of-Attack (Alpha) Research Vehicle (HARV) in a three-phased flight research program lasting from April 1987 until September 1996. The aircraft completed 385 research flights and demonstrated stabilized flight at angles of attack between 65 and 70 degrees using thrust vectoring vanes, a research flight control system and forebody strakes.
This combination of technologies provided carefree handling of a fighter aircraft in a part of the flight regime that was otherwise very dangerous. Flight research with the HARV increased our understanding of flight at high angles-of-attack, enabling designers of U.S. fighter aircraft to design planes that will safely fly in portions of the flight envelope that pilots previously had to avoid.
Background: In the early 1980s, NASA initiated a High-Angle-of-Attack Technology Program among the aeronautics research centers (Langley, Ames, Dryden and Glenn). In recognition of extensive accomplishments in this field, Langley Research Center was designated the lead technology center for the program, while Dryden Flight Research Center was designated the lead for flight research and operations.
The F-18 used for HARV had been heavily "cannibalized" for parts by the Navy, never expecting it to fly again. It arrived at NASA Dryden in pieces in October 1984, missing 400 parts. Dryden mechanics and technicians had to find substitute parts and reassemble the aircraft, creating the "Silk Purse" from the "Sow's Ear."