EC96-43811-2 Dryden research pilot Dana Purifoy drops NASA F-16XL #848 away from the tanker in the 45th flight in the Supersonic Laminar Flow Control program. The project demonstrated that laminar--or smooth--airflow could be achieved over a major portion of a wing at supersonic speeds by use of a suction system. The system drew turbulent boundary-layer air through millions of tiny laser-drilled holes in a titanium ''glove'' fitted to the upper left wing. About 90 hours of flight time were logged by the unique aircraft during the 13-month flight research program, much of it at speeds of Mach 2. Data acquired during the program will be used to develop a design code calibration database which could assist designers in reducing aerodynamic drag of a proposed second-generation supersonic transport. November 13, 1996 NASA Photo F-16XL-2 Project Description
