EC96-43811-2
Dryden research pilot Dana Purifoy drops NASA F-16XL #848 (ship 2) away from the tanker in the 45th flight in the Supersonic Laminar Flow Control project.
The project demonstrated that laminar-or smooth-airflow could be achieved over a major portion of a wing at supersonic speeds by use of a suction system. The system drew turbulent boundary-layer air through millions of tiny laser-drilled holes in a titanium “glove” fitted to the upper left wing. About 90 hours of flight time were logged by the unique aircraft during the 13-month flight research project, much of it at speeds of Mach 2.
Data acquired during the project will be used to develop a design code calibration database which could assist designers in reducing aerodynamic drag of a proposed second-generation supersonic transport.November 13, 1996NASA Photo› F-16XL-2 Project Description