The photograph shows a 15%-scale model of the F-18E undergoing thrust effects testing in the NASA Langley 30-by 60-foot Tunnel. High-pressure air is routed via copper tubes to engine simulators inside the model. The air is then expelled through the aircraft nozzles to generate thrust forces which can be scaled to match flight conditions. The purpose of the test is to investigate how the thrust force and its rotated flow field affect the aerodynamic stability and control characteristics of the aircraft.
