Boeing In-Flight Wing Deflection Measurement

Publication Details

Abstract

The Video Displacement System (VDS) is a video camera-based photogrammetry system developed by the Boeing Research and Technology Group to measure the wing bending and twist as well as the position and orientation of wing control surfaces during flight. Cameras installed along the fuselage view hundreds of targets installed over the wing surfaces. Internally developed software measures the precise centers of the decals and converts these to 3D coordinates. VDS was used on flight test aircraft during aircraft configuration, stability and control testing, and stall testing.  The VDS data gives aerodynamics engineers crucial data on the true shape of the wing in flight not previously available.  I’ll talk about the history of the Boeing photogrammetry capability. I will discuss the equipment used onboard the airplane.  In addition, I will discuss the unique software application used and what parameters are calculated.