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Flight test of a decoupler pylon for wing/store flutter suppressionThe decoupler pylon is a NASA concept of passive wing-store flutter suppression achieved by providing a low store-pylon pitch frequency. Flight tests where performed on an F-16 airplane carrying on each wing an AIM-9J wingtip missile, a GBU-8 bomb near midspan, and an external fuel tank. Baseline flights with the GBU-8 mounted on a standard pylon established that this configuration is characterized by an antisymmetric limited amplitude flutter oscillation within the operational envelope. The airplane was then flown with the GBU-8 mounted on the decoupler pylon. The decoupler pylon successfully suppressed wing-store flutter thoughout the flight envelope. A 37-percent increase in flutter velocity over the standard pylon was demonstrated. Maneuvers with load factors to 4g were performed. Although the static store displacements during maneuvers were not sufficiently large to be of concern, a store pitch alignment system was tested and performed successfully. One GBU-8 was ejected demonstrating that weapon separation from the decoupler pylon is normal. Experience with the present decoupler pylon design indicated that friction in the pivoting mechanism could affect its proper functioning as a flutter suppressor.
Document ID
19860047339
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Cazier, F. W., Jr.
(NASA Langley Rearch Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Kehoe, M. W.
(NASA Flight Research Center Edwards, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1986
Subject Category
Aircraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 86-9730
Accession Number
86A32077
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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