Apr 13 1978
From The Space Library
Langley Research Center announced it had awarded SDC Integrated Services, Inc., McLean, Va., a contract for support services to operate the digital-computer complex at the center. All segments of the center would use the computer complex in analytical studies, real-time simulations, and experimental data reductions. Services under the contract would include operation of the computing and data-handling equipment, operational and performance analysis, and keypunch and auxiliary equipment operation, in addition to research-data reduction such as programming, processing preparation, and data management. SDC had estimated the cost of the 2-yr base period of the contract at $5.7 million and a 1-yr option at $3 million; the cost-plus-award-fee contract also had two 1-yr unpriced options. (LaRC Release 78-17)
Wallops Flight Center announced the first flight Apr. 10 in compound-helicopter configuration of its rotor-systems research aircraft (RSRA), a new research helicopter equipped with rotors, wings, and 2 jet engines. The compound configuration included the addition of 2 auxiliary-thrust engines and a 13.7m (45ft) wing. Powered by its 2 TF34 turbofan engines, the RSRA had used the combined lift of its wing and 5-blade S-61 rotor system to achieve an altitude of 610m (2000ft). By testing rotor systems to maneuver the craft at a wide range of altitudes and air speeds not possible in wind tunnels, RSRA would improve assessment of rotor performance by distinguishing inflight rotor characteristics from aircraft-system characteristics, which could not be done on the ground or in other aircraft. When fitted with fixed wings, the RSRA could test unproven rotor systems too small to lift it in normal flights.
Sikorsky Aircraft had built 2 RSRA vehicles under a program, jointly funded and managed by NASA and the U.S. Army, to develop technology to increase rotor-aircraft speed, performance, reliability, and safety, and to reduce helicopter noise, vibration, and maintenance. Sikorsky, under contract to LaRC, would test both RSRA vehicles for approximately 80hr flight time before delivering them to NASA and the Army for flight research at NASA's ARC. Sam White, NASA RSRA project manager, said, "The RSRA will help eliminate the costly practice of having to develop or extensively modify helicopter aircraft in order to conduct flight investigations for each promising new rotor concept. The RSRA is readily adaptable to accommodate new rotors and provide precise measurements of a variety of rotors under repeatable test conditions." (NASA Release 78-59; LaRC Release 78-16)
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