3-D View of the New Captive Trajectory System in 4T

The image above is a three-dimensional cutaway view of the Captive Trajectory System (CTS) recently installed in AEDC’s 4-foot Transonic wind tunnel (4T). The new CTS, used for weapons integration testing, has improved performance capacities over the original system. It is designed to carry higher loads and achieve higher angles with more accurate positioning capacities and improved reliability. The design approach took advantage of AEDC experience, as well as technology developed in the robotics industry. This new CTS will allow AEDC to perform separation testing over an expanded 4T test envelope. Several of AEDC’s test teams assisted in the design and installation of the new CTS. The CTS and enclosure was designed by the Test Systems Design Group, instrumentation and controls were designed and fabricated by the Information and Technology Group, the fabrication and assembly was accomplished by the Model Shop and installation was accomplished by the Model Shop and the 4T test crew. The complete effort was coordinated and managed by the Investments Group.