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X-38 :
Phase 3
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Phase 3
The primary objective of Phase 3 is to assess the aerodynamics and stability and control of both the free-flight vehicle and the
vehicle/parachute combination. This phase will use two full-scale, contractor-built vehicles with a flight control systems built and installed by
JSC. The DFRC B-52 will be used as a launch aircraft, and testing will be conducted at the Edwards test range. The Phase 3 vehicles will use
a blended X-23/X-24A shape with outboard fins, fixed upper flaps, and movable lower flaps and upper rudders. Both pylon pins and
parachute attachment points will be added to facilitate the launch and recovery portions respectively. During early launches, the control
surfaces will be fixed, and parachute deployment will occur shortly after B-52 separation. After several inert flights, an autonomous control
system will be activated to fly the aircraft from B-52 launch down to a pre-determined parachute deployment altitude. After parachute
deployment, the Pioneer parachute/guidance system will carry the vehicle to a soft landing in a pre-determined "safe" area. Approximately 6-8
flights are foreseen for the active flight portion of Phase 3, and launch conditions are expected to be approximately Mach 0.5 - 0.8 and 25,000
- 45,000 feet altitude.
Phase 3 Planned Objectives
Demonstrate deployment, autonomous flight, and landing flare capability of a parafoil/payload system with a wing loading of 2.0 pounds per square foot.
Assess the aerodynamics and stability and control of the free-flight vehicle.
Evaluate the initial control laws and mechanization for stability and control and energy management.
Evaluate the touchdown dynamics of the full-scale vehicle/parachute combination.
Measure stability and control of the full-scale vehicle/parachute combination.
Demonstrate integration and operation (including guidance) of the Guided Precision Aerial Delivery System (GPADS) parachute recovery system.
Continue assessment of parachute system reliability.
Expand the parachute deployment envelope.
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Last Modified: February 13, 2001
Responsible NASA Official: Jenny Baer-Riedhart
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