National Transonic Facility (NTF)

In southeastern Virginia there is a new national laboratory setting the pace and developing the standards for transonic aerodynamics research. Modular Computer Systems, Inc. (MODCOMP) serves a crucial role in that ongoing effort. As one of a kind in the free world, the cryogenic wind tunnel at the Langley Research Center in Hampton for the first time enables researchers to attain full-scale values of fluid dynamic measurements called Reynolds numbers.

The National Transonic Facility tests subscale models under extreme environments; reliability, flexibility, and ease of configuration are critically important under these stringent test conditions. Four MODCOMP CLASSIC II/75 high-performance minicomputer systems control and monitor research data in real-time, utilize a software system library, and oversee test, model, and tunnel operations. Solutions to demanding real-time situations are provided by these CLASSIC systems. Charles Bryant, NASA Aerospace Technologist, responsible for the conceptual design of the NTF data system from the outset cites MODCOMP CLASSIC "flexibility to configure a system as we want it," as the greatest benefit to the wind tunnel. Furthermore, he adds, "by providing redundancy and backup we could run even if there is a computer failure."

As a pioneer in world aerodynamics research over the last seventy years, Langley's research programs have contributed to flight testing and improvements in aircraft design. From a systematic definition of wing shapes and propeller research in the 1920s to Space Shuttle design in the 1970s, Langley's primary mission is basic research in aerodynamics and space technology. More importantly, wind tunnel research is essential to the timely and economical development of modern aircraft and spacecraft.

As a world leader in transonic research and design, Langley's NTF performs sophisticated testing of exacting tolerances in a demanding environment. In this regard, computer systems must be able to handle the flight configuration of a complete vehicle, and at the same time, yield continuous real-time response data. MODCOMP's CLASSIC systems meet this vital challenge by monitoring the total operation of the cryogenic wind tunnel.

MODCOMP's commitment to real-time computing excellence is making history at NASA Langley's NTF. The benefits and advantages of using MODCOMP CLASSICs are becoming widely known in government circles. Operators and supervisors are extremely pleased with CLASSIC performance and reliability. A primary reason for choosing MODCOMP says Charles, "is MODCOMP's outstanding real-time performance." Also, he states, "speed, intended for process and research data acquisition applications is paramount with the CLASSICs." Finally, Charles believes that "MODCOMP's inter-communications capability, along with the quad system's ease of configuration for specific applications, make MODCOMP an ideal choice."

MODCOMP CLASSICs meet the test and set the pace for real-time computing in the industry. Backed by a history of successfully satisfying government needs in aerospace, air defense, jet propulsion, the Space Shuttle, and other advanced government programs, MODCOMP's participation in the NTF places CLASSIC minicomputers in the forefront of transonic design and testing in the world today.