This paper describes the validation of the CIRA FTB_1 experimental re-entry vehicle in performing the first Dropped Transonic Flight Test, by using a Monte Carlo based analysis. Aims of the presented validation process were both to assess the capability of the FTB1 augmented vehicle to fulfill all the mission requir ements and to optimize the nominal mission parameters for maximizing the mission execution success rate. Some peculiar issues have been addressed in this study. Specifically the pape r reports a criterion for estimating the minimum number of simulation runs needed for obtaining reliable analysis results. Moreover, a structured analytical model for taking into account aerodynamic uncertainties is proposed and an algorithm for flight instability detection have been developed in order to verify GNC robustness. Finally, a dedicated automatic code generation environment have been used in order to reduce both development effort and total computational time of Monte Carlo analysis to acceptable values for parameter o ptimizing purposes.
[1]
Peggy S. Williams.
A Monte Carlo Dispersion Analysis of the X-33 Simulation Software
,
2001
.
[2]
P. Desai,et al.
Entry Dispersion Analysis for the Stardust Comet Sample Return Capsule
,
1997
.
[3]
N. J. Balu,et al.
Composite generation/transmission reliability evaluation
,
1992,
Proc. IEEE.
[4]
N Desai Prasun,et al.
Six Degree-of-Freedom Entry Dispersion Analysis for the METEOR Recovery Module
,
1996
.
[5]
Hirokazu Suzuki,et al.
Evaluation of Guidance and Control System of High Speed Flight Demonstrator Phase II
,
2005
.