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F-15A Highly Integrated Digital Electronic Control

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NASA

Sep 28, 2009
Image Article
Two jets seen on takeoff just above the runway.
NASA's highly modified F-15 (left), used for digital electronic flight and engine control systems research, was accompanied by an F-18 chase support aircraft during its takeoff roll on a flight from the Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California.

EC91-677-1
NASA’s highly modified F-15 (left), used for digital electronic flight and engine control systems research, was accompanied by an F-18 chase support aircraft during its takeoff roll on a flight from the Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif. The F-15A (Serial #71-0287) was called the Highly Integrated Digital Electronic Control (HIDEC) flight facility.
Research programs flown on the testbed vehicle demonstrated improved rates of climb, fuel savings, and engine thrust by optimizing systems performance. The aircraft also tested and evaluated a computerized self-repairing flight control system for the Air Force that detects damaged or failed flight control surfaces. The system then reconfigured undamaged control surfaces so the mission could continue or the aircraft landed safely.
A research pilot in the support aircraft monitored in-flight operations and provided an additional measure of safety during research flights.December 20, 1991NASA Photo › F-15 HIDEC Project Description