NFAC test director and team recognized by the Vertical Flight Society

The Tiltrotor Test Rig test team at the AEDC National Full-scale Aerodynamic Complex in Moffett Field, California, conducts full envelope evaluation of the first civil tiltrotor system that will be entering commercial usage by 2020. This test was the first use of the TTR and served as checkout and operational verification test of the new $30 million national test capability for future generation tiltrotor aircraft. The TTR is pictured here in the 40-by-80 foot wind tunnel at NFAC. (U.S. Air Force photo)

NFAC test director and team recognized by the Vertical Flight Society

The Tiltrotor Test Rig test team from the AEDC National Full-scale Aerodynamics Complex receives the Franklin Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Powered Lift Field. The TTR team safely and successfully conducted the full envelope evaluation of the first civil tiltrotor system that will be entering commercial usage by 2020. Pictured are members of the TTR team, starting from far left: William Bartow, Tom Norman, Wally Acree, Sesi Kottapalli, Michelle Dominguez, Gina Willink, Natasha Schatzman and Alex Sheikman. Kneeling in center is Chris Hartley. (Courtesy photo)

NFAC test director and team recognized by the Vertical Flight Society

Published July 22, 2019
By Deidre Ortiz
AEDC/PA

ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the Vertical Flight Society recognized Chris Hartley, AEDC test director at the National Full-scale Aerodynamics Complex in Moffett Field, California, for his role leading Tiltrotor Test Rig, or TTR, activation and testing.

As part of the organizations 2019 Chapter Awards, Hartley received the Award for Outstanding Technical Support.

Hartley said he’s honored to be recognized but commented that it’s really the entire team that made the test project a success.

“It was a pleasure and an honor to receive the award this year,” Hartley said. “The project was successful because we have an amazing and talented team, and everyone worked across the lines of responsibility to truly act as a combined test force. The team epitomized the spirit of the term, and I was lucky enough be the focal point for the project for the NFAC. I am grateful for the award, but I am more grateful for the tireless efforts of talented, hard-working team members.”

For nearly 10 years, Hartley has supported the TTR development project and led AEDC participation in the development of the rig. He oversaw the integration, acceptance and checkout activities from model prep to tunnel installation and checkout. He then led the TTR test team in executing the longest wind tunnel entry in the history of the 40-by 80-foot wind tunnel with the successful completion of the 699/TTR wind tunnel test.

The TTR team as a whole was also recognized, receiving the Franklin Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Powered Lift Field. The team safely and successfully conducted the full envelope evaluation of the first civil tiltrotor system that will be entering commercial usage by 2020. This test was also the first use of the TTR and served as checkout and operational verification test of the new $30 million national test capability for future generation tiltrotor aircraft.