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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
– 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.
– 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
– 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Navy Capt. Steve Nakagawa, commanding officer for Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division and Naval Support Activity, speaks during the Kennedy Space Center's Innovation Expo in the Operations Support Building II. The center-wide event gave researchers a chance to show some of their work to others and gave employees the opportunity to see facilities they hadn't viewed before. Photo credit: Gianni Woods
David A. Wright is associate director for Center Operations at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif. He was formerly director of Flight Operations. He is also a research pilot, flying NASA's ER-2 and T-38. The ER-2s are civilian variants of the military U-2S reconnaissance aircraft and carry scientific instruments to study the Earth during worldwide deployments. Wright has more than 4,500 hours in six different aircraft. He held the position of deputy director of the Airborne Science Program at Dryden from 2002 until 2004. Wright came to Dryden after retiring from the U.S. Air Force as a lieutenant colonel. His final assignment was to the Joint Staff J3, Directorate of Operations at the Pentagon from November 1996 until August 1999. Prior to the Pentagon assignment, he served as commander of the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale Air Force Base near Marysville, Calif., the unit responsible for training all U-2 pilots. He was the operations officer for one the largest U-2 operations in history, flying combat missions against Iraq and managing an unprecedented U-2 flying schedule during the 1991 Desert Storm conflict. He was selected for the Air Force U-2 program in 1987 following duty as an aircraft commander in the E-3A AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft. Wright was a T-38 instructor for three years at Reese Air Force Base, Lubbock, Texas, following completion of pilot training in 1978. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and computer science. Wright earned a Master of Arts in Adult Education from Troy State University, Montgomery, Ala., in 1987, and a Master of Science in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, Newport, R.I., in 1995.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Richard G. (Dick) Ewers became a pilot in the Flight Crew Branch of NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, in May 1998. His flying duties focus on operation of the Airborne Science DC-8 and Systems Research F/A-18 aircraft, but he also maintains qualifications in the King Air and T-34C. He has more than 32 years and nearly 9,000 hours of military and civilian flight experience in all types of aircraft from jet fighters to blimps. Ewers came to NASA Dryden from a position as an engineering test pilot with Northrop Grumman's Electronic Sensors and Systems Division (formerly Westinghouse's Electronic Systems Group). He spent eight and a half years with Westinghouse flight testing radar and forward looking infrared systems under development for military and civilian use. Before going to work for Westinghouse, Ewers served for more than 21 years as a U.S. Marine Corps fighter and test pilot, flying F-4, A-4, and F/A-18 aircraft. He underwent flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., in 1969-70. He was subsequently assigned to both fighter/attack and reconnaissance squadrons before ultimately commanding an F-4S squadron for two years. Additionally, his flying included combat service in Vietnam and operational exchange tours with both U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force squadrons flying F-4s around the world, including off aircraft carriers. Ewers graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 1981 and subsequently served two tours as a test pilot at the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Md. Most of his flight test experience was with the F/A-18 Hornet. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1989 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Ewers graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1968 with a bachelor of science degree in engineering mechanics. He earned a master of science degree in aeronautical systems from the University of West Florida in 1970.
Liliana Villarreal, NASA’s Artemis II landing and recovery director, Exploration Ground Systems Program, gives remarks, as Capt. Andrew “Andy” Koy, commanding officer of USS Somerset (LPD 25), U.S. Navy, left, and Lt. Col. David Mahan, commander, U.S. Air Force’s 1st Air Force, Detachment 3, Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, look on, during a media event where NASA and the Department of Defense discussed the recovery operations that will bring the Artemis II astronauts and the agency’s Orion spacecraft home at the conclusion of next year’s mission around the Moon, Monday, March 31, 2025, onboard USS Somerset at Naval Base San Diego, in California. The teams spent the week practicing the procedures they will use to recover the astronauts after their more than 600,000 mile journey from Earth to the Moon and back on the first crewed mission under the Artemis campaign. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
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.
Nils Larson is a research pilot in the Flight Crew Branch of NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif. Larson joined NASA in February 2007 and will fly the F-15, F-18, T-38 and ER-2. Prior to joining NASA, Larson was on active duty with the U.S. Air Force. He has accumulated more that 4,900 hours of military and civilian flight experience in more than 70 fixed and rotary winged aircraft. Larson completed undergraduate pilot training at Williams Air Force Base, Chandler, Ariz., in 1987. He remained at Williams as a T-37 instructor pilot. In 1991, Larson was assigned to Beale Air Force Base, Calif., as a U-2 pilot. He flew 88 operational missions from Korea, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Panama and other locations. Larson graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., in Class 95A. He became a flight commander and assistant operations officer for the 445th squadron at Edwards. He flew the radar, avionics integration and engine tests in F-15 A-D, the early flights of the glass cockpit T-38C and airworthiness flights of the Coast Guard RU-38. He was selected to serve as an Air Force exchange instructor at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Patuxent River, Md. He taught systems and fixed-wing flight test and flew as an instructor pilot in the F-18, T-2, U-6A Beaver and X-26 Schweizer sailplane. Larson commanded U-2 operations for Warner Robins Air Logistics Center's Detachment 2 located in Palmdale, Calif. In addition to flying the U-2, Larson supervised the aircraft's depot maintenance and flight test. He was the deputy group commander for the 412th Operations Group at Edwards before retiring from active duty in 2007 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. His first experience with NASA was at the Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, where he served a college summer internship working on arcjet engines. Larson is a native of Bethany, W.Va,, and received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1986 with a
Liliana Villarreal, NASA’s Artemis II landing and recovery director, Exploration Ground Systems Program, left, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Luca Parmitano, NASA astronauts Andre Douglas, Deniz Burnham, Stan Love, Capt. Andrew “Andy” Koy, commanding officer of USS Somerset (LPD 25), U.S. Navy, and Lt. Col. David Mahan, commander, U.S. Air Force’s 1st Air Force, Detachment 3, Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, right, pose for a group photo in front of the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) at the conclusion of a media event where NASA and the Department of Defense discussed the recovery operations that will bring the Artemis II astronauts and the agency’s Orion spacecraft home at the conclusion of next year’s mission around the Moon, Monday, March 31, 2025, onboard USS Somerset at Naval Base San Diego, in California. The teams spent the week practicing the procedures they will use to recover the astronauts after their more than 600,000 mile journey from Earth to the Moon and back on the first crewed mission under the Artemis campaign. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Liliana Villarreal, NASA’s Artemis II landing and recovery director, Exploration Ground Systems Program, center, gives remarks as ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Luca Parmitano, left, NASA astronauts Andre Douglas, Deniz Burnham, Stan Love, Capt. Andrew “Andy” Koy, commanding officer of USS Somerset (LPD 25), U.S. Navy, and Lt. Col. David Mahan, commander, U.S. Air Force’s 1st Air Force, Detachment 3, Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, right, look on during a media event where NASA and the Department of Defense discussed the recovery operations that will bring the Artemis II astronauts and the agency’s Orion spacecraft home at the conclusion of next year’s mission around the Moon, Monday, March 31, 2025, onboard USS Somerset at Naval Base San Diego, in California. The teams spent the week practicing the procedures they will use to recover the astronauts after their more than 600,000 mile journey from Earth to the Moon and back on the first crewed mission under the Artemis campaign. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- At Naval Base San Diego in California, NASA Recovery Director Jeremy Graeber, right, talks to the commanding officer of the USS Anchorage as members of the news media prepare for viewing of NASA's Orion spacecraft being offloaded from the well deck of the ship. Orion has been secured in its crew module recovery cradle and will be prepared for return to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After lifting off at 7:05 a.m. EST on Dec. 5 atop a Delta IV Heavy rocket from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Orion completed a two-orbit, four-and-a-half hour mission to test systems critical to crew safety, including the launch abort system, the heat shield and the parachute system. NASA, the U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin coordinated efforts to recover Orion after splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is led the recovery efforts. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion Photo credit: NASA/Amber Philman