AV-8B-408 External Environment Outwash Flow Speed and Temperature Survey

The outwash flow field around a hovering AV-8B aircraft with 408 engine was measured during two separate phases of testing. The aircraft gross weight varied between 16,100 to 19,600 lb. Testing consisted of taking velocity and temperature measurements at heights above the ground from 3 in. to 10 ft at 20 deg increments primarily about the aircrafts port side and at radial distances between 30 and 100 ft from the aircrafts hover center. Testing concentrated on 50 ft-AGL hovers although tests included, vertical takeoff, vertical landing, hover height variations from 30 to 125 ft-AGL radar height and gross weight changes of approximately 2,000 Lb. The outwash flow field was analyzed in the areas of flow field velocity, direction, and temperature in addition to velocity dynamics, temperature extremes, aerodynamic forces, and personnel hazards and limitations.