MK AEROSPACE Inc.

Contact: Matt Knapp

email: matt@mkaerospace.com cell: 425-681-7311




  • Aerodynamic Design

  • Performance Analysis

  • Wind Tunnel Test planning, support and Post-Test analysis

  • Preliminary Design

  • Stability and Control

  • Program Planning


MK Aerospace is an aviation design and consulting firm located in Redmond Washington, and dedicated to providing aerodynamic, performance, and wind tunnel test support to your aircraft design program, from the preliminary design phase through flight test.

Experience:

  • Aerodynamics: Over 10 years experience working with CFD programs and wind tunnel results for aerodynamic design of aircraft. I performed the complete aerodynamic design of the ATG Javelin prototype which made a successful first flight in September 2005. MK Aerospace capabilities in aerodynamics range from Vortex Lattice methods (still by far the best for preliminary design, S&C), up to Euler methods. For most CFD analysis, MK Aerospace has a partnership agreement with Analytical Methods Inc. in Redmond Washington to either sub-contract the work, or use the AMI codes of VLAERO and MGAERO. In addition, MK Aerospace can perform LewICE 2D and 3D analysis for ice accumulation and ice shape analysis.

  • Performance Analysis: Over the past 10 years I have developed a full aircraft performance analysis program for performance prediction and mission simulation. The program, called APAC, has been validated against existing data, and was used for pre-flight test performance analysis of the Javelin with good results from the flight test data available. APAC is designed to be a versatile performance tool, very good for fast iterations of the initial design space, but also with the ability to incorporate CFD and wind tunnel data as it becomes available to provide a high fidelity analysis of performance from take off to landing, all points in between, and especially tailored to produce extensive plots of key parameters such as specific range, minimum power required etc.

  • Wind Tunnel Testing: MK Aerospace has extensive experience having planned, and run numerous wind tunnel tests including low speed (University of Washington UWAL facility), transonic (Calspan), rotary balance spin testing (Bihrle) and supersonic (NASA GRC). MK Aerospace can help your program get the most out of tunnel test time, by assisting with model design, coordinating with the model manufacturer, test matrix planning, test execution, and post-test data analysis.

  • Stability and Control: MK Aerospace is experienced with sizing aerodynamic control surfaces, and determining control authority and stick forces based on any combination of estimated parameters (such as DATCOM), CFD results, and wind tunnel data. Special attention will be given to demonstrate the controls as designed will meet both the performance requirement, and the FAA regulations for minimum control authority.

  • Preliminary Design and Independent Review: With experience in initial aircraft sizing, structural and component weight estimation, and quick estimates of performance, MK Aerospace can perform feasibility studies, preliminary design trades, preliminary design recommendations, or an independent review of an existing design. As appropriate, the review will also refer to the FAA Regulations to ensure that the airplane will fly, and that the FAA will like it as well. MK Aerospace works with AirBoss Aerospace Inc to provide a complete prototype capability from conceptual design through flight test.

  • Aircraft Development Program Management: MK Aerospace can work with your company to lay out a complete aerodynamic program for both cost and schedule from initial design, through flight test, and certification testing.

  • Resume: Here is my standard resume

I look forward to helping get your program off the ground!

- Matt Knapp, MK Aerospace






Background: In addition to engineering, I am an active pilot with over 1000 hours in light aircraft including about 400 hours as a flight instructor (CFI). I received a B.S. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1995 and 1996 respectively. Prior work experience includes stints at Boeing, Pioneer Rocketplane, Analytical Methods Inc, and Aviation Technology group. When not doing engineering or flying, you'll find me hiking, biking, skiing, or traveling

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