Area-I (NASA) PTERA

History

PTERA will be used by NASA experts as a remotely operated research platform, mimicking the small size form and function of the Boeing 737 aircraft. It was used to test the effectiveness of NASA's proprietary "Span Adaptive Wing" (SAW), which allows the main-wing aircraft to "deform" up or down about 75 degrees on its outboard portion (15 inches away). The purpose of this measure is to improve control and stability while reducing drag caused by other parts of the aircraft design, namely the tail.

This small-scale design allows for more realistic testing between potentially lethal manned flights and expensive wind tunnel data collection. The aircraft is manufactured by Area-I, Incorporated.

The PTERA was flight tested in July 2013 and delivered to the Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California, in October 2014. Its first official flight was recorded on October 22, 2015, and all initial mission objectives were met, including reaching a top speed of 145 knots.

Externally, the plane does look like a Boeing airliner, with a tubular fuselage, short nose tip and single-blade tail. A fixed tricycle landing gear arrangement provides ground running capability. The main wing aircraft are located amidships and do not receive any swept.

The horizontal plane of the stern is located below the sides of the vertical stabilizer. Various sensors and data acquisition systems are installed around the aircraft, characterized by various protrusions in its outline. The hull is modular, making it easier to accept changes to its loading.

Power comes from 2 JetCat P200 engines, each providing 50 lbs of thrust, which are mounted under each wing (like a Boeing 737 airliner).

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Changes