Small numbers on the nose cap of the F/A-18 Systems Research Aircraft at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA, showed the locations of 11 tiny holes, which were an integral part of a new air data system installed on the aircraft.
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Small numbers on the nose cap of the F/A-18 Systems Research Aircraft (SRA) at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA, showed the locations of 11 tiny holes, which were an integral part of a new air data system installed on the aircraft. This advanced air data sensing system used a group of pressure taps flush-mounted on the forward fuselage to measure both altitude and wind speed and direction – critical data for flight control and research investigations. The Real-Time Flush Air Data Sensing system concept was evaluated for possible use on the X-33 and X-34 reusable space-launch vehicles.Mar 1997NASA Photo › F-18 SRA Project Description