National Aerospace Laboratory Next Generation Supersonic Transport Project Center
National Aerospace Laboratory Next Generation Supersonic Transport Project Center
National Aerospace Laboratory
National Aerospace Laboratory Next Generation Supersonic Transport Project Center
National Aerospace Laboratory Next Generation Supersonic Transport Project Center
National Aerospace Laboratory Next Generation Supersonic Transport Project Center
National Aerospace Laboratory Next Generation Supersonic Transport Project Center
Research and development work on the next generation supersonic aircraft technology at the NAL (National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan) commenced in 1997. Detailed designs for the scaled non-powered supersonic experimental airplane NEXST-1 (NAL's Experimental Airplane of SST-1) and NAL 735 rocket booster were completed in March 2000, and manufacture of the airplane and the booster rocket completed in the process of ground testing by November 30, 2001. The first flight trial was carried out on July 14, 2002 at and around Range-E at the WPA (Woomera Prohibited Area) in South Australia. This flight trial however was not successful because the airplane was separated from the rocket booster right after the main booster ignited. As a consequence, a review of the experimental system is underway for the purpose of re-designing and repairing the system, including the radio communication systems. This paper describes the results in detail the original system design and first trial operation. The radio communication systems consist of the transponder, telemeter, and command system. The paper also describes the antenna pattern test, and analysis of RF links taking into account the exhaust plumes effect, and explains the system operation results for preparatory tests and the flight trial phase.