THE thrust-vectoring system developed for the Advanced Control Technology for Integrated Vehicles (ACTIVE) programme was activated on the McDonnell Douglas (MDC) F-15 research aircraft in flight for the first time at NASA's Dryden Research Center, Edwards AFB, California, on 27 March.
The Pratt & Whitney pitch-yaw balance-beam nozzle (PYBBN) thrust-vectoring system is the key element of the ACTIVE programme, which is expected to cover 60 flights totaling around 100h.
The joint NASA, US Air Force, MDC and P&W research programme will be used to evaluate the performance and technology benefits of the axisymmetric vectoring system, which directs thrust from the F-15's P&W F100-229 engines by up to 20¡ in any direction.
The first F100 engine core to be refurbished at P&W's newly created overhaul and repair business unit at San Antonio, Texas, was delivered to the US Air Force on 20 March.
Source: Flight International
