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Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Volume

27

Issue

2

Key words

Simulator, XCOR Lynx, Suborbital, Space Operations, Flight Transition Corridor, Vehicle Dynamics, National Air Space, Mission Control Center, Air Traffic Control

Abstract

This study was conducted to better understand the performance of the XCOR Lynx vehicle. Because the Lynx development was halted, the best knowledge of vehicle dynamics can only be found through simulator flights. X-Plane 10 was chosen for its robust applications and accurate portrayal of dynamics on a vehicle in flight. The Suborbital Space Flight Simulator (SSFS) and Mission Control Center (MCC) were brought to the Applied Aviation Sciences department in fall 2015 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach campus. This academic and research tool is a department asset capable of providing multiple fields of data about suborbital simulated flights. This tool will allow flight navigators to assess different aspects of a suborbital flight dynamics and generate various trajectory maps to establish procedures and preventive measures when the vehicle goes through the NAS. It was found that the XCOR Lynx is an unstable platform but has good glide capabilities. This information is useful to pilots who may someday fly the XCOR Lynx as well as air traffic controllers who may have Lynx operations at their airports.

First Page

77

Last Page

98

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