INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS

This is of an autonomous flying probe designed for use in large-scale wind tunnels. In large-scale facilities, wake surveys (i.e., measurements downstream of the test article) are impractical due to the prohibitive size of the required traverse mechanism. The flying probe concept, however, provides a relatively non-intrusive wake survey capability through the use of embedded systems technology for autonomous control. Using inertial guidance, an adaptive flight control system allows the tethered probe to negotiate the dynamic wake of the test article while measuring aerodynamic parameters such as pressure and velocity. This work-in-progress has greatly expanded company expertise in the areas of embedded system design, system integration, and programming for autonomous flight control.