Hot gas ingestion: From model results to full scale engine testing

An overview is presented of a joint NASA Lewis McDonnell Aircraft Co. Hot Gas Ingestion (HGI) test program in NASA Lewis' 9 x 15 foot Low Speed Wind Tunnel (LSWT). Advanced short takeoff vertical landing (ASTOVL) aircraft capable of operating from remote sites, damaged runways, aircraft carriers and small air-capable ships are being pursued for deployment around the turn of the century. To achieve this goal, it is important that technologies critical to this unique class of aircraft be developed. One of the ASTOVL concepts, the vectored thrust, has as its critical technology item, the potential of hot gas ingestion (which occurs during vertical flight operation while in ground effect) as a key development issue. Recognizing this need, NASA Lewis Powered Lift Section and McAir have defined a cooperative program for testing in the Lewis 9 x 15 foot LSWT. This program is described in detail.