The problem of flow separation from a low pressure turbine blade was investigated. The operating conditions under which the separation occurred were documented through measurement of surface pressure coefficients, boundary layer velocity and turbulence profiles, total pressure loss coefficient and wake velocity momentum deficit. Three different means for reducing the losses associated with the flow separation were also investigated. A boundary layer trip, dimples, and V -grooves were studied as passive means requiring no additional energy to reduce the separation losses. The boundary layer trip was only successful for an inlet and axial chord Reynolds number of 50k with a reduction in loss coefficient of 58.2%. Three sets of dimples were tested with the placement of each at axial chord locations of 50%, 55%, and 65%.

The question of what is necessary for the US to provide its fighting forces with continuously available surveillance of the battlefield is considered. The anticipated technological improvements forecasted to 2025 all support the conclusion that sufficient capabilities will exist should the US government choose to collect them into a single system. The resulting unmanned system will likely be a lighter-than-air vessel capable of operating for months or a stealthy derivative of the RQ-4 Global Hawk. The single largest hurdle for either system is the lack of political and military support for expanding existing unmanned systems. An Air Force sponsored survey conducted with several military, corporate and university experts which supports these conclusions is also presented.