Hypersonic Free Flight Measurement Techniques

In an attempt to generate more reliable hypersonic aerodynamic data on test models in flows closer to the flight test ideal, wind tunnel experiments have been conducted in two wind tunnel test facilities that enable sting and shroud free model testing. One facility used for hypersonic low Reynolds number testing utilizes a magnetic suspension and balance system. The second facility used for hypersonic high Reynolds number testing utilizes time of flight measurement techniques. In this paper, both facilities and test techniques are described and some representative test cases are described.