Energy News  
3-D Imaging To Help A-10 Integrate Latest Weapons

An A-10C Thunderbolt II undergoes computerized diagnostic measurement June 12 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Using Virtual Surveillance Target Attack Radar System technology, the system will generate a 3-D image of the aircraft. The 3-D image will help engineers outfit the A-10 for smart weapons. This is the first time an A-10 has been digitally recorded. U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Stacia Zachary.
by Staff Sgt. Stacia Zachary
96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Eglin AFB FL (AFNS) Jun 23, 2008
The A-10C Thunderbolt II is undergoing state-of-the-art 3-D measurement to help the close-air support aircraft carry the latest in smart weapons technology.

The 46th Test Wing's Air Force Seek Eagle Office, Computerized Physical Fit team is collecting approximately 100,000 3-D data points on an A-10C aircraft. The A-10C being measured is on loan from the Maryland National Guard and is being used for the test under direction of the wing's 40th Flight Test Squadron.

The team is using its visibility size and shape targeting accuracy room scale, or V-STARS, photogrammetry system of triangulation to collect data on every external surface of the aircraft.

These data points will be used to build a digital model of the aircraft that is representative of operational aircraft. Once complete, dimensions of the model will be accurate within 0.03 inches of the aircraft measured.

Engineering analyses on the A-10 was done with 2-D drawing and extensive ground and flight testing during the '70s, said Mark Hillman, the AFSEO lead engineer.

"Today, 3-D models are created as aircraft are being designed," Mr. Hillman said. "These 3-D models are used as the basis for many of AFSEO's engineering analyses including: computerized physical fit, computational fluid dynamics, electromagnetic interference/compatibility and store separations. This new modeling capability will help minimize store integration costs by reducing the number of ground and flight tests."

"Over the years, the A-10 has proven itself as a true asset to the warfighter and has undergone several upgrades. This is just one more step in integrating an old but viable, combat-proven machine with the most current technology available," said Paul Collins, the computerized physical fit team lead.

The V-STARS program is helping bring an aging aircraft online with the latest technological advances, making it a stronger asset to the U.S. and a deterrent to the enemy, he said.

"We did this with other aircraft in the Air Force arsenal," Mr. Collins said. "This is just the latest aircraft targeted to undergo the V-STARS measurement. Our end product is to create a digitized model to help us upgrade the aircraft similar to what we did with the B-52H Stratofortress. Many of our aircraft are still very useful work horses and all they need is to be brought online with new technology to continue to be a huge asset."

Community
Email This Article
Comment On This Article

Share This Article With Planet Earth
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit
YahooMyWebYahooMyWeb GoogleGoogle FacebookFacebook



Related Links
the missing link The latest in Military Technology for the 21st century at SpaceWar.com



Memory Foam Mattress Review
Newsletters :: SpaceDaily :: SpaceWar :: TerraDaily :: Energy Daily
XML Feeds :: Space News :: Earth News :: War News :: Solar Energy News


iRobot To Create Revolutionary New Robot For DARPA
by Staff Writers
Bedford, MA (SPX) Jun 23, 2008 iRobot has announced the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the U.S. Army Research Office have awarded the company a new multi-year, multi-million dollar R and D project to develop Chemical Robots (ChemBots).







  • Workers Go On Strike In Azeri Oil Industry Over Low Wages
  • Nigerian Delta Leaders Reject Peace Summit Despite Petroleum Boom
  • Oil higher in Asia as analysts mull China fuel price hike
  • Even Texan oilmen think energy supplies have to be diversified

  • France signs nuclear energy, military deals with Algeria
  • Japan, Kazakhstan agree on energy cooperation
  • Malaysia to mull nuclear energy amid rising oil prices: minister
  • France OKs work to resume on nuclear reactor

  • NASA And Air Resources Board To Examine California Air Quality
  • Field Project Seeks Clues To Climate Change In Remote Atmospheric Region
  • US And UK Research Centers Launch Major Collaboration On Atmospheric Studies
  • NASA Satellites Illuminate Influence of Pollution On Clouds And Climate

  • Tropical Forest Sustainability Could Be A Climate Change Boon
  • Plan To Conserve Forests May Be Detrimental To Other Ecosystems
  • Britain, Norway launch fund to preserve Congo Basin rainforest
  • If A Tree Falls In The Forest And No One Hears It Does The Climate Change

  • Surging prices may force more people from homes: UNHCR
  • British minister sparks row over GM crops
  • Caviar for the masses -- Japan offers 'Cavianne'
  • EU to raise ceilings on fishing fuel aid, but no move on tuna ban

  • At Toyota greenhouse, C02 emissions no villain
  • Green car bonus to push French budget into red: report
  • Montreal Develops A Unique And Innovative Public Bike System
  • Hungarian "Solo" concept car, super-light and super-ecological

  • DARPA Technology Enables Continued Flight In Spite Of Catastrophic Wing Damage
  • The Tu-144: The Future That Never Was
  • China's new jumbo-jet firm no threat to Airbus, Boeing: state media
  • China unveils new jumbo jet company: report

  • Nuclear Power In Space - Part 2
  • Outside View: Nuclear future in space
  • Nuclear Power In Space

  • The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2007 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement