Aerodynamics of typical lifting bodies under conditions simulating very high altitudes.

Abstract

A series of lifting bodies has been tested at simulated high altitudes under hypersonic, coldwall conditions. Measurements of lift, drag, and static pitching moment were obtained over an angle of attack range comparable to actual flight requirements. Comparisons are made with modified Newtonian and free-molecular-flow theories. A brief discussion of available theoretical and empirical techniques for analysis of the transitional flow regime is given, and attention is drawn to the effect of lift-to-drag ratios varying with altitude.