SAILWING WIND TUNNEL TEST PROGRAM
Abstract
The results, analysis and conclusions drawn from a full scale wind tunnel investigation of two Sailwings of different aspect ratio are presented. One model is of a complete Sailwing airplane incorporating an aspect ratio 11.5 wing while the other is a wing-alone rig of aspect ratio of 5.92. Results show both wings to have high values of C sub L max and L/D max equaling or exceeding comparative values for conventional wings and greatly exceeding other flexible wings insofar as lift/drag ratios are concerned. Adequate lateral control with low stick forces are shown to exist by means of wing warping. Very high values of stick fixed longitudinal stability are indicated. Stall characteristics are unusually gentle and the initially steep lift curve slope decreases in a gradual manner over a wide range of angles of attack indicating the possibility of smooth normal flight in gusty weather. The dominant aerodynamic characteristics of the wing appears invariant with dynamic pressure for the range of q's tested and the repeatability of the test results appears good.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0803668
Entities
People
- J. E. Mercer
- R. A. Ormiston
- T. E. Sweeney