Abstract: A measurement-based method to control and optimize the performance of an airborne vehicle. The stability and control of the vehicle is modified to induce a response in the airborne vehicle as reflected by a plurality of response signals. Excitations signals having multi-term sinusoidal waveforms are generated and applied to control signals controlling one or more control effectors. A time domain response of each of the state variables, response signals, and control signals arising from the application of the excitation inputs to the control signals is then measured. These time domain responses are then transformed into frequency domain models. The effectiveness and vehicle stability and control derivatives may then be identified from the frequency domain models of the state variables, response signals, and control signals.

Abstract: A composite shell which can be used, in particular, in the manufacture of bodies or compartments of flying vehicles used in rocketry or aeronautics, comprises a load-bearing framework formed of intersecting stiffening ribs, and an outer load-bearing shell. Box-shaped cover plates are secured with glue an the cross nodes of the stiffening ribs from the internal surface of the framework, and thin-walled plates are secured at the outer surface of the shell by threaded rod elements that pass through the shell and framework and are connected to the box-shaped cover plates. In one embodiment, the composite shell is formed of a plurality of panels connected together at their abutting edges.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector for establishing an optical connection with an optical fiber embedded within a composite structure is provided. The fiber optic connector includes a first lens element, such as a metal sheathed graded index (GRIN) lens, that is attached to the portion of the edge surface of the composite structure to which the optical fiber extends. The fiber optic connector also includes an alignment tube and a second optical fiber, external to the composite structure, having an end portion disposed within one end of the alignment tube. By sliding the other end of the alignment tube over the first lens element, optical communication is established between the first optical fiber embedded within the composite structure and the second optical fiber external to the composite structure. The fiber optic connector also typically includes a ferrule mounted upon the end portion of the second optical fiber and inserted at least partially into one end of the alignment tube.