Orbital Research Impact - Manual (Page 2)

Air Force Requirements
Future Air Force fixed-wing air vehicles and advanced weapons
need innovative Microelectromechanical Systems MEMS-based
aerodynamic flow control systems that can operate under high
alpha and extreme flow conditions where conventional controls
become ineffective. The U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, DARPA, and a
significant portion of commercial and military sector were also
actively pursuing research in the area of active flow control to
explore the potential of such smart flight control systems. MEMS
based active flow control actuators can be directly integrated into to
air vehicle structure, providing improved aerodynamic performance.
This need specifically called for smart surfaces and advanced
control systems that can provide control authority to air vehicles
with improved aerodynamic efficiency by means of weight-and-
volume minimization for Control Actuation Systems (CAS), drag
reduction, fuel savings, and enhanced control and maneuverability.
The technologies developed from this program have the potential
to benefit both commercial and military air vehicle systems.
SBIR Technology
Orbital Research, Inc. (ORI), in collaboration with the AFRL Air
Vehicles and Munitions Directorates, designed, developed and
demonstrated innovative flow control systems to enhance the
aerodynamic performance of air vehicles. To demonstrate the
performance of integrated MEMS actuators and sensors, two
specific demonstration systems were chosen. Two control systems
were developed in particular; one tailored for fixed-wing applications
and second for weapons (missiles) applications. Both systems
utilized a Co-Located Sensor and Actuator (CLAS) module(s)
approach, where a complete system was designed by incorporating
fast-response pressure sensors (for flow sensing), a real-time
feedback controller (for smart actuation), and novel, MEMS based
control actuators (for aerodynamic control) into a compact conformal
package that could be embedded within the aerodynamic surface.
Fixed-Wing Application: ORI developed and demonstrated a
transparent stall control system for wings that automatically delays
flow separation or stall angle, thereby extending the operational
flight envelope of wings at high angles of attack. A key innovation
in this system is the ability to detect stall conditions prior to
‘actual’ stall and delay stall by employing countermeasures using
embedded micro actuators.
High Alpha Weapons Application: ORI developed and demonstrated
a novel, yaw control system for weapons (slender bodies) at high
angles of attack. This system cancels out unwanted yawing moments
on weapons at high alpha conditions and also provides the desired
(user commanded) yawing moments under both steady and dynamic
pitch conditions within the actuator saturation limits. This system was
successfully demonstrated on a scale model of a typical air-to-air
missile (Air Force’s platform of interest).
Company Impact
With the successful completion of this SBIR program, ORI is now
uniquely positioned to design and develop a comprehensive set
of flow control solutions comprising both actuators and feedback
controllers that can be commercialized and applied to a number
of military and civilian air vehicle platforms. ORI has received two
patents and currently has one patent pending, which protects ORI’s
intellectual property for this technology. These patents provide ORI
a competitive advantage when discussing various research and
technology exchange agreements with other entities. The successful
demonstration of the technologies developed in this SBIR helped
ORI spin-off iACTIV, manufacturer of MEMS air control valves for
applications spanning from simple stand-alone general purpose
industrial valves to highly specialized integrated flight control actuation
sub-systems. The foundation of knowledge gained through this SBIR
program has provided tools and expertise necessary for ORI to
jumpstart the development of active flow control systems for specific
future military weapons and air vehicle platforms. The program has
also attributed to the growth of Orbital Research by expanding
ORI’s research and development portfolio. The depth and breadth
of ORI’s capabilities has allowed the company to grow in a stable
and rapid fashion and the achievements were recognized by Inc.
Magazine and the Weatherhead School of Management at Case
Western Reserve University.
Technology Payoff
Orbital Research, Inc is currently involved with collaborative efforts
with prime contractors such as Lockheed Martin and General
Dynamics to transition these technologies from laboratory research
to practical applications through flight testing. ORI received research
and development funds from prime contractors, through joint
sponsored research agreements, to custom-develop this technology
for specific air vehicle platforms. ORI has developed a solid founda-
tion to commercialize this technology to both civilian and military
customers.
AF SBIR Program Manager
AFRL/XPTT
1864 4th Street,
Room 1, Building 15
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
Science and Technology for Tomorrow’s Aerospace Force
Air Force
Research Laboratory AFRL
AF SBIR Program Manager: Steve Guilfoos
e-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.sbirsttrmall.com
DSN Fax: 785-2329
T: (800) 222-0336
F: (937) 255-2329
U.S. AIR FORCE
Contents of this sheet are not necessarily the official views of, or are endorsed by, the U.S. Government, DoD, or Department of the Air Force.