Lockheed Martin Corporation

Brant H Maines

Patrick J Yagle

Brian R Smith

Kurt M Chankaya

Edward C Ma

Edward A DiGirolamo

An aerodynamic force sensing apparatus for providing an air data computer with information to calculate air data. The apparatus includes a plurality of vanes supportable in a vane array extending from a distal end of an airfoil of an aircraft, and one or more sensors configured to sense the response of one or more vanes of the vane array to aerodynamic forces and to transmit corresponding signals to an air data computer (ADC) for use by the ADC in calculating air data.

Aerodynamic force sensing apparatus

The invention relates a method and apparatus for reducing the drag on aircraft, particularly aircraft with an upswept afterbody. The method includes the steps of positioning a plurality of drag reducing elements on the fuselage of the aircraft, wherein the drag reducing elements are positioned on the fuselage from a position at the breakline of the fuselage and extending toward the tail of the aircraft. In preferred embodiments, each of the plurality of drag reducing elements is positioned such that a first end of the drag reducing element is at an angle of between approximately 15 and 35&#xb0; nose up relative to the flow of air about the fuselage at the location where the drag reducing element is positioned.

Microvanes for aircraft aft body drag reduction

A controlled passive porosity system includes a lifting device for operation in a multi-phase liquid, the lifting device having a low pressure surface with a plurality of holes and a high pressure surface with a plurality of holes. A common plenum is disposed within the lifting device and allows fluid communication between liquid adjacent the high pressure surface and liquid adjacent the low pressure surface. When cavitation occurs adjacent to the low pressure surface, a series of valves associated with the holes allows selective and localized fluid communication between the surfaces. The fluid communication has the effect of raising the pressure of the liquid in the area of cavitation, thereby eliminating the cavitation. In an alternate embodiment, the lifting device includes a first plenum, a second plenum, and an intermediate fluid passage, the fluid passage fluidly connecting the first plenum and the second plenum. A valve disposed in the fluid passage selectively blocks or allows fluid communication between the high pressure surface and the low pressure surface to eliminate cavitation.

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Colleyville, TX, United States of America

Brant H Maines