Rocketplane conducted aerodynamic tests in the newly renovated Walter H. Beech Memorial Wind Tunnel. Gary Lantz, an Aerodynamic Engineer for Rocketplane Limited, said the purpose of the testing was to re-evaluate the subsonic data they had previously recorded at another facility.
"This will give us a lot more confidence in our data," Lantz said. "It will build confidence in our aerodynamic definition."
Rocketplane also utilized the Aerodynamic Laboratories Flow Visualization Laboratory. The 2-foot by 3-foot by 5-foot water tunnel was used to gain further understanding of the fluid flow around the plane. The 1/20 scale Rocketplane XP model used in the water tunnel was built by NIAR's Research Machine Shop.
NIAR has an established relationship with Rocketplane through the CAD/CAM Laboratory. The lab first provided CATIA V5 training to the company at their facility in Oklahoma in November 2004 and has tentatively scheduled further training this March. They plan to utilize the CATIA program in the design of the Rocketplane XP Spaceplane.
For more information on Rocketplane visit www.rocketplane.com.
