Test logs are created by the Test Manager (Pete Zell) each day that a test is "in the tunnel". Entries in the test logs are made when important events occur, when tasks are completed and when milestones are accomplished. S ometimes entries are made once every couple hours, sometimes once per hour, and sometimes with only minutes in between - it all depends on what's happening with the test! At the end of the day, Pete lists the tasks that we plan to do the following day.

The log is posted on a computer network so that anyone at Ames Research Center who is interested in the progress of the test can get up to the minute information about what is happening. At the end of each day, we will post a summary of the daily test log on this webpage so that you, too, can track the progress of the test!

Friday, February 26

See photos from today's work!!

Our primary objective for today was to complete the balance checkload (calibration) with the balance installed on the sting. This was accomplished. The balance was rotated 90 degrees so that hanging weights would load the balance in the yaw direction (up to 100 pounds). The balance was then rotated 180 degrees from our test postion to load in the positive lift direction (up to 500 pounds). The balance was then rotated back to our nominal position to load in the negative lift direction (up to 1500 p ounds). A rolling moment load test up to 15,000 inch-lbs was also performed. The balance outputs collected with the data system looked very good with very minor deviations. Progress was also made on the setup and calibration of the control system. A wiring problem with one of the wing tip angle sensors was found and will be corrected by Monday. The wind velocity sensors were checked out through the data system and are working fine.

A video crew came out at lunch time to tape Craig Hange, Jack Cherne, and Pete Zell for a NASA TV tape that is being assembled. Test Readiness Revie w #1 was held at 14:00. This NASA management review is for authorization to install the model on the model support sting in preparation for the test. We were given authorization to proceed with 5 open action items to complete before testing can start. W e are currently on track to install the Flyer on the sting Monday afternoon. The crew will be working a split shift (12:00 to 21:30) all of next week.

We will be having a Media Day on Wednesday, March 3. In preparation, a walkthrough was performed with Mike Mewhinney at 13:00. We decided how the press will be facilitated and where the live shots will be filmed. We also discussed a centerwide E-mai l inviting the Ames staff and their families to come through the 40x80 test section to see the Wright Flyer. The date is Thursday, March 18th from 10:00 to 13:00.

No activities are planned for this weekend.

Plans for Monday, March 1:

Mechanical

• Install the balance block.

• Finish up miscellaneous hardware tasks in test section.

• Install NASA logos on the Sting Strut Spool.

• Install the sting nose cone.

Instrumentation, Software, Data Acquisition

• Secure cables to the sting.

• Acquire zero, cal, and static point.

• Set up crew training.

• Prepare for Media Day on Wednesday, March 3.

• Finish Test Checklists

• TRR action #1 - assure that the model controls are fully checked out

• TRR action #2 - verify that the fan blade angle software limit of 24 degrees is activated

• TRR action #3 - document the final control surface limits

• TRR action #4 - determine tunnel and model start sequence

• TRR action #5 - train model motor operator on use of the 400Hz set.

Thursday, February 25

See photos from today's work!!

This morning we installed the balance and set up for checkloading. The electricians installed the model motor power cables and break-out box. The controls team checked out the model control actuators. The 80x120 started operations after lunch and ra n to the end of our shift (16:00). Everyone is having to work around the 80x120's operation schedule. Yesterday, the instrumentation crew went home at 21:30 and were back this morning at 07:00!!

Plans for tomorrow:

Mechanical

• Support the balance calibration.
• Finish up miscellaneous hardware tasks in the test section.

Instrumentation, Software, Data Acquisition

• Secure cables to the sting.
• Support balance checkloading.

• Conduct Test Readiness Review at 14:00.
• Conduct Media Day walk-through at 13:00.
• Tape video for NASA Headquarters at 11:30.
• Finish test dependent checklists.

Wednesday, February 24

We finished installing the sting hardware, hooked up the sting and installed the resolver. Checked out sting operation from the model support controller. All we need to do now is calibrate it. Thanks, Lew! Removed the balance block and dummy balanc e from the sting. We are ready to put the live balance in. Continued to check out instrumentation cabling. Electricians and Jim McCusker scoped out the 400Hz power cabling and disconnect switch placement. Ken Horn cleared up cabling for the controls a nd is finishing up the facility cable. N-Prime is up and working. The 80x120 ran from after lunch to about 15:30. The instrumentation crew will be here until about 21:30. They plan to wire the balance up to the test section through the sting. Rich Grimm has arrived from the AIAA to assist with set-up.

Plans for tomorrow:

Mechanical

• Install the balance in side force checkload position.
• Perform pan load test.
• Rotate balance 90 degrees to final position for checkload.
• Perform pan load test.
• Finish up miscellaneous hardware tasks in test section.

Instrumentation, Software, Data Acquisition

• Install wind sensors.
• Support balance checkloading.
• Run cables up sting.

• Prepare test dependent checklists.
• Finish test plan

Tuesday, February 23

We tied the model down to the test section floor in case the use of the 80x120 test section causes turbulence in the 40x80. The wind sensor mounts were then installed. At 08:30, the 80x120 began operations and ran until about 15:00. We then opened u p the 40x80 test section and the mechanics began installing the proper sting arrangement. They will work a couple of hours overtime to complete the job. The instrumentation crew is working on terminating the cables and checking out the full length balan ce cable. They will be here until 21:30.

Plans for tomorrow:

Mechanical

• Finish swapping out sting parts.
• Prepare model attachment hardware.

Instrumentation, Software, Data Acquisition

• Install wind sensors.
• Prepare for balance installation and checkloading.
• Get the data acquisition system (N-Prime) working.

Administration

• Prepare test dependent checklists.
• Start Test Discrepancy Report (TDR)/Test Change Request(TCR) log.

Monday, February 22

In the morning, we prepared the 40x80 test section for removal of the Wright Flyer model from the sting. We were not able to access the test section after lunch because the 80x120 test section of the NFAC wind tunnel was in use. When the 80x120 test section is operating, the 40x80 test section is closed and people cannot enter it. At approximately 14:30, we rigged the model and removed it from the sting. The shift ended at 16:00.

The instrumentation crew is coming in at noon tomorrow so they can work into the evening (until 21:30) when the 80x120 test section is not in use.

Friday, February 19

This is the first log for the 1903 Wright Flyer test in the 40x80 test section of the NFAC wind tunnel. Today, the model was installed on a dummy balance with no instrumentat ion hooked up. Reporters from Aviation Week and Space Technology magazine were present as well as many members of the AIAA team and special gues ts. The lift-in from the floor of the low bay into the 40x80 test section went well and many great pictures were taken. Lots of sunshine was shining through the high bay windows onto the Wright Flyer model - it looked great!! The Test Safety Review (a meeting to ensure that all precautions are being taken to keep the model and the workers safe) was held that afternoon. Rob Fong prepared a wonderful tri-tip steak dinner as a welcome for our special AIAA customers!