X-56A Dart: Dynamically-Scaled Aircraft for Research and Testing

Abstract

The X-56A DART: Dynamically-scaled Aircraft for Research and Testing is a project where our team was tasked with creating a half-size dynamically scaled working model of the X-56A MUTT (Multi Utility Technological Testbed), a research aircraft operated by NASA and developed by Lockheed Martin. We were tasked with not only developing the exact 50% scale model, but also the creation of a straight wing version of the aircraft with the same aerodynamic characteristics. In order to accomplish this, a tail was added, the wing span and chord length investigated, and the internals and landing gear designed from scratch. For support of the internals and to absorb the loads experienced by the plane during all aspects of flight, a "stress grid" was devised and made from balsa wood, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. To solve the issue that NASA had with landing gear positioning during takeoff and because of the changing center of gravity for different planforms of the DART, a sliding track mechanism was developed for the main landing gear. Finally, construction of the straight-wing plane was started. Molds were designed and cut for the aircraft, and the fuselage was successfully constructed out of fiberglass.