Actuated forebody strake controls for the F-18 High-Alpha Research Vehicle

A series of ground-based studies have been conducted to develop actuated forebody strake controls for flight-test evaluations using the NASA F-18 High-Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV). The actuated forebody strakes were designed to provide increased levels of yaw control at high angles of attack where conventional rudders become ineffective. Results are presented from tests conducted with the flight-test strake design, including static and dynamic wind-tunnel tests, transonic wind-tunnel tests, full-scale wind-tunnel tests, pressure surveys, and flow visualization tests. Results from these studies show that a pair of conformal actuated forebody strakes applied to the F-18 HARV can provide a powerful and precise yaw control device at high angles of attack. The preparations for flight testing are described, including the fabrication of flight hardware and the development of aircraft flight control laws. The primary objectives of the flight tests are to provide flight validation of the ground-based studies and to evaluate the use of this type of control to enhance fighter aircraft maneuverability.