NASA/DOD Flight Prediction Workshop

Accurate flight prediction methods are critical for all aspects of vehicle performance, handling characteristics, and structural integrity. The first NASA/Industry/DoD workshop on wind tunnel/flight correlation was held in 1981, when discrepancies arising from Reynolds number effects, aeroelastic effects, and tunnel wall and sting interference effects posed significant barriers to experimentally-based prediction methods in use at that time. Significant advances in ground-based experimental capabilities and facilities, CFD methods, and flight test technology in the next 20 years significantly improved the tools available for predictions. In addition, numerous new production and experimental military and civil aircraft completed flight testing, offering an unprecedented experience base and data for assessing the accuracy of current prediction methods and practices. Thus, the first Flight Prediction Workshop (FPW) was held in 2002. The objective of the 2002 workshop and the current 3 day workshop for technical specialists is to provide a forum for the exchange of: experiences and lessons learned, critical assessments of the state of the art, and recommendations for further developments in flight prediction methodology. Information and opinions provided by the workshop will be incorporated in R&T planning for future government activities in aerodynamics, aeroelasticity, aeroacoustics, propulsion/air frame integration, etc.