AFRL successfully tests V-22 flight dynamics

  • Published
  • By AFRL Air Vehicles Directorate
AFRL engineers completed successful wind tunnel tests of the V-22 Osprey, a 6 percent-scale model, to improve their understanding of the vehicle's flight characteristics. They tested the model in the vertical wind tunnel at different orientations; propeller speeds; and sideslip, nacelle, and blade angles. To simulate movement through the air, the engineers also performed dynamic forced oscillation testing. The overall objective of the wind tunnel test activities was to examine the V-22's flight dynamics at extreme attitudes and determine its flight limitations.

The collected data will aid in generating a simulation designed to help pilots better understand the V-22's stability and control, allowing them to achieve maximum aircraft performance without compromising safety. The V-22 is the world's first production tilt rotor air vehicle. It is capable of taking off and landing vertically and hovering like a helicopter, as well as transitioning to fly like a turboprop aircraft for enhanced speed, range, and fuel efficiency.