Aircraft Research Association

ARA

Model Build (Front View)

model build front

The animation shows a front view of the ARA reference model (which is used to check the airflow quality in the Transonic Wind Tunnel) being assembled. The assembly sequence is described below:

  1. The assembly begins with the support sting and internal loads balance (used to measure aerodynamic loads on the model). 
  2. The wings are installed with all the pneumatic tubing from the pressure tappings (tiny holes in the wing surface used to  measure air pressure) exposed.
  3. The instrumentation tray with the pressure measurement modules and inclinometer (used to measure model attitude) is bolted  onto the front of the model.
  4. The pneumatic tubes from the wing pressure tappings are connected to the pressure measurement modules, tidied and  secured.
  5. The nose of the model is installed.
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