A review is presented of the F-15 Remotely Piloted Research Vehicle (RPRV) project. The F-15 RPRV is air-launched from a B-52 at 50,000 ft. Following launch a series of research maneuvers are performed during an unpowered descent to a recovery altitude. Another RPRV program considered is the Highly Maneuverable Aircraft Technology (HiMAT) program. This program is designed to use RPRVs to speed the technology transition from wind tunnel to flight and to reduce the cost of aeronautical experiments. It is pointed out that HiMAT will make extensive use of composite materials.
RPRV research focus on HiMAT
1976-04-01
Miscellaneous
No indication
English
AIAA | 1978
|The HiMAT RPRV propulsion control system
Tema Archive | 1976
|HiMAT research plane to make first flight
NTRS | 1979
HiMAT systems development results and projections
NTRS | 1980
|