Formation Flight
Abstract
The Formation Flight program is exploring the development of drag reduction technologies for aircraft. Drag reduction allows aircraft to fly at increased ranges, reduces fuel consumption, and may allow increased payload capacity. Formation flight is used in nature by geese and other migratory birds to reduce drag, but requires the development of an autonomous system to maintain the optimum position for drag reduction to be practical for long duration aircraft flights. Safety of flight considerations require aircraft separation distances of up to one mile, necessitating automated sensing and tracking algorithms to track the lead aircraft wake. Flight testing a formation flight configuration will allow structural excitation and vehicle dynamic response to be addressed in proximity to the lead aircraft wake.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Source ID
- 734dcf06bd9c9d56126a5c92ae508725
Related Documents
- Root: TACTICAL TECHNOLOGY