Air Vehicle Technology

Soldier using Thermal Weapon Sight, AN/PAS-13C(V)

Aircraft on approach

Soldier using Thermal Weapon Sight, AN/PAS-13C(V)

P-3 in flight

Soldier using Thermal Weapon Sight, AN/PAS-13C(V)

Vertical take off and landing

When you think about it, the flight capabilities that the US military possesses are astounding. The technologies and capabilities that are packaged into modern aircraft are complex, having many interfaces, and ultimate system performance depends on interoperability of all the subsystems. Navmar is a leader in understanding the complex issues related to air vehicle technology and keeping US military aircraft at the cutting edge of performance. Just some of the areas we are involved with include:

  • Aerodynamic characterization - We have expertise in predicting aerodynamic coefficients, forces and moments for advanced fixed wing, rotary wing, lighter than air, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and vertical and/or short take off & landing (VSTOL) aircraft. We have generated databases of aerodynamic characteristics from existing aircraft and wind tunnel test data, and conducted stability and control analyses and flying quality assessments on many ship-based and land-based air vehicles.
  • Structural analysis - Navmar is experienced in all phases of structural analysis of aircraft and related equipment, including static strength, damage tolerance and loads analysis, aero-elastic, aero-servo-elastic, and vibro-acoustics performance studies. Our work has supported aircraft such as the P-3, S-3, C-130, E-2C, C-2A, and F-14 fleet. In addition, we perform structural analysis on catapults, catapult support equipment, arresting gear, and jet blast deflector components. We also develop policies, procedures, specifications and processes for structural analysis, testing procedures and certification of structural integrity. In addition, we also perform structural test engineering in the form of monitoring fatigue, static, and coupon test programs, reviewing test reports, reviewing and analyzing strain gage data and preparing test progress charts.
  • Flight dynamics - We conduct simulator studies and evaluations to determine tilt rotor aircraft normal and emergency operating procedures; we have conducted flight testing of helicopters to evaluate aircraft flying qualities, operational software and overall mission performance.
  • Hydraulic power systems - We have extensive aircraft hydraulic systems engineering and technical support experience, which include analyzing and modifying servo valves, determining flow rates, gains and control pressures. These types of skills have been applied to the H-1 upgrade, V-22, and F-18E/F programs.
  • Advanced flight controls - Our experience in flight controls includes investigating tilt-rotor unique aeromechanics phenomena and analyzing aircraft design change and flight control system hardware/software modifications to optimize tilt-rotor flying qualities.
  • Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) - We run CFD programs, including defining boundary conditions and boundary layer characteristics, and analyzed the resulting data. We have experience in identifying areas where flow separation occurs, and using combinations of CFD and wind tunnel test data to predict the total drag of aircraft appendages with separated flow - includes generating solid and paneled models for use in CFD programs.
  • In-flight refueling systems - Navmar performs analyses on aerial refueling drogues including methods to provide increased vertical separation between the drogue and bottom of the aircraft fuselage during drogue retraction in flight. We have the capability to analyze, prototype and wind-tunnel test various paradrogue configurations to verify drag and stability improvements.
  • Mechanical subsystems - Navmar develops performance-based design requirements, specifications and standards for aircraft actuators and mechanisms, internal/external and special operations cargo handling equipment, fasteners, bearings, and emergency egress lighting. Navmar provides engineering and technical support for design, development and testing of improved panel fastening mechanisms including those used on the V-22 aircraft.
  • Pollution prevention - Navmar has significant experience in acquisition environmental compliance. This involves National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses, compliance verification, and hazardous material/hazardous waste elimination or reduction in major acquisition programs including F/A-18, E-2D, and VH-71. We also prepare Programmatic Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Evaluation (PESHE) Documents, which help the customer identify and manage the environmental, safety and occupational health hazards and risks, to determine how best to meet regulatory and DoD standards.

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