Installation and validation of an airborne data acquisition system aboard a Cessna 310H for use as a flying laboratory

Abstract

Installation and evaluation of a proposed airborne data acquisition system was accomplished for use aboard the Aeronautical Engineering Department's Cessna 310H. This flying laboratory was obtained for use with the two-course series in flight evaluation techniques to enable students to employ actual flight test methods and to gain an insight into the problems and limitations of flight testing. Static and dynamic analyses were performed on the aircraft's pitot-static boom, and a method was found to dampen vibration of the boom in flight. System calibration procedures were formulated, and the system was tested throughout the flight envelope of the aircraft. The system was found to provide satisfactory data for classroom work and will certainly improve as additional sensors are added.