Remotely driven model control surfaces for efficient wind-tunnel operations

A remote control system for wind-tunnel model control surfaces was developed during the Space Shuttle program to make more efficient use of wind-tunnel occupancy time and to aid in gathering the large force test data base necessary for the definition of the Shuttle aerodynamic characteristics. This paper presents a history of the development of the remote system, details of the system and associated equipment, and results from wind-tunnel tests showing the effect of system improvements on experimental data. Wind-tunnel test rate and cost comparisons are made between conventional models with bracketed control surfaces and remote models.