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creative mind. However, the process of turning such a vision into reality is one that often necessitates the help and support of many others who deserve credit and recognition. I want to thank my father whose ingenuity has been a lifelong inspiration to me and who played an integral role in the early conceptual stages of this project, particularly during the initial preliminary testing. Throughout my time at Wichita State University I had the pleasure of working with many individuals who have positively influenced me in one way or another and I owe my sincere gratitude to them all. I would like to recognize the GAFL research group for the outstanding team work and particularly Alok Menon, who has been a true friend and tremendous help throughout every phase of the project. I want to give special thanks to committee chair Dr. James Steck, for his support, guidance, and encouragement during this research. I also want to express my appreciation to committee members Dr. Buerge, Dr. Chakravarthy, Dr. Jewell and Dr. Sawan for their willingness to devote their time and effort and provide me with invaluable input. I would like to give thanks to Dr. Suresh Keshavanarayana and his graduate student Dmitrii Ivanov for the help and allowing me to use the WSU Flight Structures Lab and equipment as well as NIAR, John Laffen and his staff for giving me the opportunity to test in the WSU Walter Beech Wind Tunnel. Finally, I want to thank my wife for her patience, her sacrifices and her support throughout this journey. In the end I would not have accomplished this without the help of many others.

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