Abstract: A method and apparatus for shaping fuselage sections. A first fuselage section is held in a holding structure in a cradle in a cradle system. Force are applied to the first fuselage section with an actuator system to a portion of the first fuselage section such that a first current shape of the first fuselage section changes towards a first desired shape for the first fuselage section to join the first the fuselage section to a second fuselage section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a group of passive sensor systems, an active sensor system, and a processor unit. The group of passive sensor systems is configured to generate first sensor information from light in an environment around the group of passive sensor systems. The active sensor system is configured to send signals, receive responses from the signals, and generate second sensor information from the responses. The processor unit is configured to control the active sensor system to send the signals in a direction toward an object using the first sensor information and generate information about the object using the second sensor information.

Abstract: Within examples, remotely controlled and thermally managed systems for actuation of components in a wind tunnel model are described. A wind tunnel test environment may provide ambient to cryogenic temperature conditions to reproduce aerodynamic flight Reynolds number conditions. Example systems comprise a modular test assembly mounted on a test component, and the test component includes at least one movable surface and is configured for placement in the wind tunnel. An actuator is included within the modular test assembly and coupled to the at least one movable surface of the test component, and a temperature sensor is included to provide temperature of an exterior of the modular test assembly. In addition, a controller is in communication with the actuator and the temperature sensor, and is configured to remotely cause the actuator to move the at least one movable surface through a range of motion.

Abstract: Within examples, remotely controlled and thermally managed systems for actuation of components in a wind tunnel model are described. A wind tunnel test environment may provide ambient to cryogenic temperature conditions to reproduce aerodynamic flight Reynolds number conditions. Example systems comprise a modular test assembly mounted on a test component, and the test component includes at least one movable surface and is configured for placement in the wind tunnel. An actuator is included within the modular test assembly and coupled to the at least one movable surface of the test component, and a temperature sensor is included to provide temperature of an exterior of the modular test assembly. In addition, a controller is in communication with the actuator and the temperature sensor, and is configured to remotely cause the actuator to move the at least one movable surface through a range of motion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for shaping fuselage sections. A first fuselage section is held in a holding structure in a cradle in a cradle system. Force are applied to the first fuselage section with an actuator system to a portion of the first fuselage section such that a first current shape of the first fuselage section changes towards a first desired shape for the first fuselage section to join the first the fuselage section to a second fuselage section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a sensor array, a primary lens, and a moveable lens array. The sensor array comprises sensors arranged in an array in which the sensors are configured to generate image data. The primary lens is configured to direct light towards the sensor array. The moveable lens array comprises a number of lenses. The moveable lens array is moveable to a plurality of positions between the primary lens and the sensor array. Each lens in the number of lenses is configured to focus the light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a group of passive sensor systems, an active sensor system, and a processor unit. The group of passive sensor systems is configured to generate first sensor information from light in an environment around the group of passive sensor systems. The active sensor system is configured to send signals, receive responses from the signals, and generate second sensor information from the responses. The processor unit is configured to control the active sensor system to send the signals in a direction toward an object using the first sensor information and generate information about the object using the second sensor information.

Abstract: A two axis gimbal is provided comprising a support structure, a spherical bearing mounted to the support structure and defining a channel therethrough, and a shaft extending through the channel. The gimbal may also include a reflector connected to the shaft. A drive mechanism, such as a spherical motor, is mounted to the support structure and is adapted to rotate the shaft in two orthogonal axes, i.e., pitch and roll. Power and signal cables are connected to the drive mechanism. The gimbal of the present invention may also include pairs of sensors and sensor triggers for monitoring the position of the shaft and the reflector relative to the pitch and roll axes. The design of the two axis gimbal of the present invention permits the cables to remain stationary during operation of the gimbal.