From The Archives: HEDI Forebody Undergoes Testing In Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel

On the cover of the February 24, 1986 issue, was a Schlieren photograph of the flow field over the model of a generic high-endoatmospheric defense interceptor (HEDI) with shock waves and density gradients shown in varying colors. The image was taken at Mach 10 in the hypervelocity wind tunnel at the Naval Surface Weapons Center, White Oak, Maryland. 

There was a change in the flow pattern on the upper part of the forebody, which corresponds to the location of a cooled window that might have been used to protect a guidance sensor.

HEDI was being developed by McDonnell Douglas Astronautics to intercept ballistic missile reentry vehicles as part of the Army's contribution to the Strategic Defense Initiative. 

See an additional photo on page 89. 

See the cover and read the full issue dated February 24, 1986. 

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