Flight Test Validation of an Analytical Method for Predicting Trailing Cone System Drag Force and Droop Angle

Abstract : This paper presents flight test data that validate an analytical method for predicting trailing cone system drag force and droop angle. The method, presented in 2008 by Carlos Silveira, integrated a set of differential equations to solve for the pressure tube angle and aerodynamic drag force when given a tube length and cone drag coefficient. The length of tube and drag cone geometry may be chosen to place the static ports in the desired location behind the aircraft. This paper validates Mr. Silveira's method with tube angle and drag force data obtained from flight test on an F-16 aircraft equipped with a trailing cone system.