Expert Details
Airplane and Helicopter Research, Design and Analysis
ID: 724120
Virginia, USA
Expert has over 37 years' experience in aerospace research and development with NASA, the Department of Defense, academia, and industry. He was a research specialist with the Army Aeromechanical and Aerostructures Directorate at the NASA Langley Research Center for 23 years, and he now has his own small company that specializes in performing one-of-a-kind conceptual and detail engineering and design for a range of components and products such as Rapid Prototypes, Proof-of-Concept Hardware, Specialized Test Hardware, and Technology Demonstrators. After leaving his research post with the Army at NASA Langley in 1993, and prior to founding Employer in 1996, Expert was Engineering Manager for Rotorcraft Research and Development at Advanced Technologies Incorporated (ATI) in Newport News, Virginia.
Expert developed the engineering design for converting a proof-of-concept technology demonstrator of the world's first true ultra light manned helicopter to production standards. He directed all flight test activities, developed the final aerodynamic configuration needed to meet handling-quality criteria for the vehicle and directed all company interaction with Federal Aviation Administration for demonstrating compliance with applicable FAR’s. Expert developed the top-level engineering and overall system design for the Main Rotor Test System (MRTS) for the South Korean Agency for Defense Development (ADD). He designed a 14-ft. diameter coaxial Recreational Air Vehicle (RAV) manned configuration that was featured in August 2002 issue of Popular Science magazine. He also designed a 1200-lb., 14-ft. diameter coaxial Armed UAV for US Army Applied Technologies Directorate and an 11-ft. diameter coaxial rotor UAV for commercial applications. In early 2003 he designed the engine installation, clutching system, main rotor transmission, tail rotor transmission, controls and main and tail rotors for manned 400-HP 4-place utility helicopter for an international helicopter company. He developed the preliminary design for rigid rotor hubs and a complex rotor control system for the Baldwin Technologies Inc. MTR heavy-lift rigid-rotor coaxial rotor system, and he designed the rotor hubs, rotor control system, pylon conversion system and lubrication/cooling system for Korean Aerospace Research Institute Smart Unmanned Air Vehicle (KARI SUAV).
Expert’s early aerodynamic research at NASA Langley covered a wide range of aircraft performance-related studies including the NASA Quiet, Clean, Subsonic Experimental Engine (QCSEE) propulsion system, drag reduction studies for a variety of general-aviation single and twin-engine airplanes, takeoff and landing performance of a turbojet-equipped configuration of the North American Rockwell Aero Commander, performance studies of the US Air Force YC-14 and YC-15 propulsive-lift STOL transports, and the low-speed aerodynamic characteristics of several high-performance military fighter aircraft configurations.
Expert developed the full-scale nacelle and nozzle configuration for NASA Quiet Clean Short-Haul Experimental Engine (QCSEE) propulsive-lift program and designed the wind-tunnel test hardware for sub-scale testing. He developed an instrumented counter-rotating propeller drive system for Advanced Turboprop (ATP) research wind-tunnel studies in the Langley 14-by 22-Ft Tunnel. He defined complete aerodynamic configuration for 4-engine advanced turboprop configuration which became NASA baseline for comparative analyses, and developed the double-slotted flap high-lift system for baseline NASA ATP. He developed and directed comprehensive test program to examine critical landing and takeoff characteristics of National Aerospace Plane (NASP) configurations. He designed and developed the 30-HP, 2-Meter Rotor Test System (2MRTS) for powered wind tunnel testing of Mach-scaled, instrumented model rotor systems. He designed and tested a 20%-scale AH-64 model equipped with 4 balances, 6 scanivalves, 4 fan simulators, and two 90-HP electric motors. He also designed and developed the complex Free Flight Rotorcraft Research Vehicle (FFRRV) for flight-testing of Mach-scaled wind tunnel model rotors in unrestrained maneuvering flight.
Developed top-level configuration definition and system design for a small-scale powered rotor test stand for conducting high-speed mach-scaled rotor research for the Korean Aerospace Research Institute. Designed 14-ft. diameter coaxial Recreational Air Vehicle (RAV) manned configuration for AirScooter Corporation. Aircraft featured in August 2002 issue of Popular Science magazine.Developed preliminary design for rotor hubs and control system for Baldwin Technologies Inc. MTR heavy-lift rigid-rotor coaxial rotor system.Designed rotor hubs, rotor control system, pylon conversion system and lubrication/cooling system for Korean Aerospace Research Institute Smart Unmanned Air Vehicle (KARI SUAV) 2000-lb tilt rotor aircraft.Developed preliminary design for KARI Whirl Tower Test Facility full-scale universal rotor hub for 53-ft diameter, 30,000-lb thrust rotor system
Education
| Year | Degree | Subject | Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year: 1969 | Degree: BS | Subject: Aerospace Engineering | Institution: Virginia Tech |
Work History
| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years: 1996 to Present | Employer: Undisclosed | Title: President/CEO | Department: Engineering |
Responsibilities:Employer is a small high-technology company that was formed to provide fast, high-quality, personalized technical support to small companies who want or need an experienced engineering capability, but are unable to justify the cost of maintaining an in-house staff of skilled technical specialists. The company specializes in performing one-of-a-kind conceptual and detail engineering and design for a range of components and products such as Rapid Prototypes, Proof-of-Concept Hardware, Specialized Test Hardware, and Technology Demonstrators. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1993 to 1996 | Employer: Advanced Technologies Inc. | Title: Engineering Manager | Department: Rotorcraft Research and Development |
Responsibilities:Developed the engineering design for converting proof-of-concept technology demonstrator of the world's first true ultralight manned helicopter to production standards. Directed all flight test activities and established final aerodynamic configuration required to achieve specified handling qualities. Led all company interaction with Federal Aviation Administration for registration of flight test aircraft, execution of flight testing, and for structuring production kit to ensure compliance with FAR Part 21. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1984 to 1993 | Employer: U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Aeroflightdynamics Directorate | Title: Assistant Branch Head | Department: Subsonic Aerodynamics Branch |
Responsibilities:Principally responsible for planning, conducting and directing subsonic aerodynamic research in the NASA Langley 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel and in flight tests. Branch research included experimental and analytical efforts in propeller-induced aerodynamics for advanced turboprop aircraft; viscous and lift-induced drag reduction for general aviation, commuter, and transport aircraft; low-speed, high-lift performance for military and transport aircraft; and support for U.S. Army research in rotorcraft aerodynamics.Directed research activities of 8 Army and 13 NASA research aerodynamicists. Conducted annual performance appraisals for all professional and clerical personnel. Reviewed and edited all Branch technical reports, publications, and presentations. Managed annual budgets of $2-3M. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1981 to 1984 | Employer: U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Aeroflightdynamics Directorate | Title: Senior Research Specialist | Department: Subsonics Aerodynamics Branch |
Responsibilities:Principally responsible for conducting research on new and emerging rotor and rotorcraft aerodynamic and aeromechanical technologies. Group leader for a team of six world-class research specialists focusing on aerodynamic and acoustic performance improvements for advanced rotor systems, and for improved operational capabilities for currently fielded U.S Army rotorcraft. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1970 to 1981 | Employer: U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Aeroflightdynamics Directorate | Title: Senior Research Engineer | Department: Subsonics Aerodynamics Branch |
Responsibilities:Responsible for aerdodynamic research studies in enhanced low-speed performance for fighter and transport aircraft. Work focused on developing propulsive-lift technology in support of U.S Air Force Advanced Medium STOL Transport (AMST) technology demonstrator program and design and development of a specialized nozzle system for the NASA Quite Clean Short-Haul Experimental Engine (QCSEE) program. Specialized in Upper-Surface Blowing High-Lift technology development. |
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Government Experience
| Years | Agency | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years: 1970 to 1993 | Agency: Aeroflightdynamics Directorate (AMRDEC) | Role: Researcher and manager | Description: 1984-1993Principally responsible for planning, conducting and directing subsonic aerodynamic research in the NASA Langley 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel and in flight tests. Branch research included experimental and analytical efforts in propeller-induced aerodynamics for advanced turboprop aircraft; viscous and lift-induced drag reduction for general aviation, commuter, and transport aircraft; low-speed, high-lift performance for military and transport aircraft; and support for U.S. Army research in rotorcraft aerodynamics. Directed research activities of 8 Army and 13 NASA research aerodynamicists. Conducted annual performance appraisals for all professional and clerical personnel. Reviewed and edited all Branch technical reports, publications, and presentations. Managed annual budgets of $2-3M.1981-1984Principally responsible for conducting research on new and emerging rotor and rotorcraft aerodynamic and aeromechanical technologies. Group leader for a team of six world-class research specialists focusing on aerodynamic and acoustic performance improvements for advanced rotor systems, and for improved operational capabilities for currently fielded U.S Army rotorcraft.1970-1981Responsible for aerdodynamic research studies in enhanced low-speed performance for fighter and transport aircraft. Work focused on developing propulsive-lift technology in support of U.S Air Force Advanced Medium STOL Transport (AMST) technology demonstrator program and design and development of a specialized nozzle system for the NASA Quite Clean Short-Haul Experimental Engine (QCSEE) program. Specialized in Upper-Surface Blowing High-Lift technology development. |
Career Accomplishments
| Associations / Societies |
|---|
| · Member, test and evaluation committee of the American Helicopter Society (AHS) for two years; · Army representative to Subsonic Aerodynamic Testing Association (SATA); · Senior member of NASA Langley engineering committee on Design Requirements for Propeller and Rotorcraft Test Equipment. |
| Awards / Recognition |
|---|
| Received 7 Army Official Commendation Awards, NASA Sustained Superior Performance Award, and NASA Space Act Award as co-inventor on one patent. |
| Publications and Patents Summary |
|---|
| Author or co-author of 22 formal NASA technical publications. |
Fields of Expertise
aeronautics test-facility, low-speed wind tunnel, low-speed wind tunnel design, subsonic wind tunnel, subsonic wind tunnel design, wind tunnel, wind tunnel design, wind tunnel operation, wind-tunnel testing, aerospace engineering, helicopter, short takeoff and landing aircraft, wind tunnel model design, aircraft equipment, helicopter research, airframe stress analysis, aeronautical engineering, unmanned air vehicle, fixed wing aircraft, airframe design, aeronautics-related design, air-flow test facility, aerospace, aircraft control system, subsonic flow, aircraft design, aircraft wing, helicopter aerodynamics, aerodynamic characteristics, mechanical power transmission, helicopter design, aeronautics test facility design, airplane, aircraft component, airframe, fluid dynamics, autogiro, aircraft control, aircraft, aerodynamics, aerodynamic drag