Pressure sensitive paint flight test

Measurements based on pressure-sensitive paint were successfully demonstrated during flight test. A Mk76 practice bomb was painted with pressure sensitive paint and mounted on an A-6 attack jet. The PSP on the bomb was illuminated with a battery operated strobe and the luminescence was detected using film and a 35 mm camera. The hardware adapted to make PSP measurements for this test proved capable in this rigorous environment. The 400 ASA film recorded a satisfactory image of the PSP response, which was then digitized for processing. Techniques and procedures that have been repeatedly demonstrated in wind tunnel testing were modified and successfully transitioned to flight test. Based on this first test, new procedures are being developed which promise improved results from the pressure sensitive paints for future flight testing.