National Aerospace Plane Wind-Tunnel Model
 
 
 
 
In the late 1980s, NASA was planning the development of the National Aerospace Plane, which was designed to take off from a runway, accelerate to hypersonic speed, and propel itself into orbit. When researchers at the David Taylor Research Center (now the Carderock Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center) needed a precise surface model of the space plane for wind-tunnel tests, they brought their requirements to the Y-12 National Security Complex. 

Scheduling demanded that the prototype be completed in six months. At this time, the plane's shape was classified, and Y-12 provided classified engineering and manufacturing capabilities to meet the challenge of building the prototype in the available time. 

Propulsion efficiency testing for the plane required a precise 1/20-scale surface model 83 in. long, with a wingspan of 20 in. Final surface contours were held to demanding tolerances. The NASA model construction required: 

  • 3-D computer-aided engineering
  • Computer-aided design (CAD)
  • Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)

Oak Ridge completed all design and engineering to support fabrication of the model and met all requirements for the project within the six-month time frame. NASA research into hypersonic flight continues. 
 
 
 

In recognition of the Y-12's diverse, integrated capabilities and its commitment 
to succeeding with high-risk projects, the U.S. Congress in 1997 designated Y-12  
as the National Prototype Center. 

For information, phone 1-800-356-4USA or visit our web site: http://orcmt.oakridge.org/npc.html