An F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is moved from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, to a hangar where it will undergo final preparations to return to its squadron. The aircraft underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. The testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
An F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is moved from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, to a hangar where it will undergo final preparations to return to its squadron. The aircraft underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. The testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
An F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is moved from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, to a hangar where it will undergo final preparations to return to its squadron. The aircraft underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. The testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
An F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is moved from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, to a hangar where it will undergo final preparations to return to its squadron. The aircraft underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. The testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
An F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is moved from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, to a hangar where it will undergo final preparations to return to its squadron. The aircraft underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. The testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
This right-side view shows an F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, where it underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
This front view shows an F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, where it underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
This left-side view shows an F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, where it underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
This rear view shows an F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, where it underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
An F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is moved from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, to a hangar where it will undergo final preparations to return to its squadron. The aircraft underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. The testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
This rear view shows an F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, where it underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
This left-side view shows an F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, where it underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
An F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is moved from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, to a hangar where it will undergo final preparations to return to its squadron. The aircraft underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. The testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
This right-side view shows an F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, where it underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
This front view shows an F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, where it underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
This view from above shows the vertical tail loads testing on a Navy F/A-18E that concluded in May, wrapping up the third phase of research at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The first two phases included loads calibration testing focused on the aircraft’s horizontal tails and wings. The aircraft is from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. NAVAIR retired its previous loads test aircraft and NASA Armstrong staff are assisting to prepare the new aircraft for its role to help safely manage flight maneuvers and determine how the F/A-18E fleet will perform if proposed upgrades are incorporated.
This is a front view of the vertical tail loads testing on a Navy F/A-18E that concluded in May, wrapping up the third phase of research at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The first two phases included loads calibration testing focused on the aircraft’s horizontal tails and wings. The aircraft is from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. NAVAIR retired its previous loads test aircraft and NASA Armstrong staff are assisting to prepare the new aircraft for its role to help safely manage flight maneuvers and determine how the F/A-18E fleet will perform if proposed upgrades are incorporated.
This view from above shows the vertical tail loads testing on a Navy F/A-18E that concluded in May, wrapping up the third phase of research at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The first two phases included loads calibration testing focused on the aircraft’s horizontal tails and wings. The aircraft is from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. NAVAIR retired its previous loads test aircraft and NASA Armstrong staff are assisting to prepare the new aircraft for its role to help safely manage flight maneuvers and determine how the F/A-18E fleet will perform if proposed upgrades are incorporated.
This view from above shows the vertical tail loads testing on a Navy F/A-18E that concluded in May, wrapping up the third phase of research at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The first two phases included loads calibration testing focused on the aircraft’s horizontal tails and wings. The aircraft is from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. NAVAIR retired its previous loads test aircraft and NASA Armstrong staff are assisting to prepare the new aircraft for its role to help safely manage flight maneuvers and determine how the F/A-18E fleet will perform if proposed upgrades are incorporated.
Here is another view of the vertical tail loads testing on a Navy F/A-18E that concluded in May, wrapping up the third phase of research at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The first two phases included loads calibration testing focused on the aircraft’s horizontal tails and wings. The aircraft is from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. NAVAIR retired its previous loads test aircraft and NASA Armstrong staff are assisting to prepare the new aircraft for its role to help safely manage flight maneuvers and determine how the F/A-18E fleet will perform if proposed upgrades are incorporated.
This view shows the left wing loading test configuration and testing area of an F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center's biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. This is a view of the test setup for the wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
From left, Ronnie Haraguchi, Chris Mount, and Ray Sadler vacuum bag load pads on the aircraft surface of a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center's biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
A center top view shows the wing loading test configuration and testing area of an F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River; Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards; California; for the center's biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The load pad bonding process for the vertical tails was a preliminary step in the process to test the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The actuator on the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is pinned to the horizontal tail load test fixture. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The horizontal tail and load fixture is moved into position for testing the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. This is a view of the test setup for the wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
This rear view of the left wing load hardware shows the setup for testing a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center's biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.Â
The jacks are lowered to remove them from under the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
Left wing load hardware is setup for testing a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center's biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
From left, Dominic Barela and Lucas Oramas review a drawing for installing the wing load test fixturing on a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The load pad bonding process for the vertical tails was a preliminary step in the process to test the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
Load pads are bonded to the aircraft surface of a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, while under pressure. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades
This rear view of the right wing load hardware shows the setup for testing a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center's biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The load pad bonding process for the vertical tails was a preliminary step in the process to test the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
Instrumentation wire extends from the aft end of a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
Jeremy Woellner, from left, and Ted Powers spread tank sealant on rubber load pads, a step in the process to test a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
This front view shows the wing loading test configuration and testing area of an F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center's biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
Larry Hudson and Tony Chen inspect test data during horizontal tail testing on a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center's biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
Larry Hudson does an inspection after the actuator on the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is pinned to the horizontal tail load test fixture. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland F/A-18E is moved to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California. NASA Armstrong is working on its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
– A team working on tests on a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, stand by the aircraft. The F/A-18E is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
From left, Ray Sadler, Ted Powers, and Walter Hargis align load pads on the aircraft surface of a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The horizontal tail is under test load on a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
Ray Sadler, left, and Chris Mount spread tank sealant on the aircraft surface of a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. This is a view of the test setup for the wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
The load pad bonding process for the vertical tails was a preliminary step in the process to test the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The load pad bonding process for the vertical tails was a preliminary step in the process to test the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
Walter Hargis, left, and Chris Mount apply tank sealant on the aircraft surface of a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The load pad bonding process for the vertical tails was a preliminary step in the process to test the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
– Installation of wing load test hardware is installed under the wing of a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
A top view shows the wing loading test configuration of a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
A top view shows the wing loading test configuration of an F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River; Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards; California; for the center's biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The load pad bonding process for the vertical tails was a preliminary step in the process to test the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. This is a view of the test setup for the wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
– Hydraulic actuators are pinned to horizontal tail test fixture for testing a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
A top view shows the wing loading test configuration and testing area of an F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River; Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards; California; for the center's biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland F/A-18E is moved to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California. NASA Armstrong is working on its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The actuator on the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is positioned for pinning to the horizontal tail load test fixture. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. This is a view of the test setup for the wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
The horizontal tail is under test load on a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland F/A-18E is moved to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California. NASA Armstrong is working on its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. This is a view of the test setup for the wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland F/A-18E is moved to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California. NASA Armstrong is working on its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The load pad bonding process for the vertical tails was a preliminary step in the process to test the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. This is a view of the test setup for the wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
This rear view shows the wing loading test configuration and testing area of an F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center's biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades
Assembled test structures called whiffle trees, which are needed to distribute prescribed hydraulic actuator loads, are attached to load pads to test the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. This is a view of the test setup for the wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. This is a view of the test setup for the wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
The team who worked on the load testing of the horizontal tails stands by the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
Wing load test hardware is setup under wing of a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The outboard pylon load fixture is secured for the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
From left, Wally Hargis, Ray Sadler, Chris Mount, and Ronnie Haraguchi place a load pad on the aircraft surface of a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland F/A-18E is moved to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California. NASA Armstrong is working on its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The load pad bonding process for the vertical tails was a preliminary step in the process to test the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. The horizontal tail spindle testing, the first of three phases, wrapped up in October 2021. The next phase focuses on wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. The horizontal tail spindle testing, the first of three phases, wrapped up in October 2021. The next phase focuses on wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. The horizontal tail spindle testing, the first of three phases, wrapped up in October 2021. The next phase focuses on wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
NASA/NAVAIR Marine AV-8B aircraft test-493 in 40x80ft. w.t.
NASA/NAVAIR Marine AV-8B aircraft test-493 in 40x80ft. w.t.
NASA/NAVAIR Marine AV-8B aircraft test-493 in 40x80ft. w.t.
NASA/NAVAIR AV-8B aircraft test-493 at Static Test Stand Facility
NASA/NAVAIR Marine AV-8B aircraft test-493 in 40x80ft. w.t. with test crew