EC95-43145-4 The Lockheed L-1011 Tristar, seen here in June 1995, was used in a flight research experiment developed by NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, to improve the effiecency of large transport aircraft. Shown with a NASA F-18 chase plane over California's Sierra Nevada mountains during an earlier baseline flight, the jetliner is operated by Oribtal Sciences Corp. The experiment sought to reduce fuel comsumption of large jetliners by improving the aerodynamic efficiency of their wings at cruise conditions. A research computer employing a sophisticated software program adapted to changing flight conditions by commanding small movements of the L-1011's outboard ailerons to give its wings the most efficient - or optimal - airfoil. Up to a dozen research flights were planned in the initial and follow-on phases of the project over several years. Jun 1995 NASA Photo / & Read L-1011 Project Description
