Innovative Control Effectors for Maneuvering of Air Vehicles
Abstract
A North Atlantic Treaty Organization technical task group (AVT-239) was commissioned to investigate the feasibility of applying Active Flow Control (AFC) to low-observable combat aircraft configurations. A wide range of active flow control technologies were explored and performance and integration assessments were undertaken on two aircraft configurations (ICE and SACCON/MULDICON). The results of these investigations were used to undertake a design of experiments trade study to assess the feasibility of using a suite of AFC technologies for flight control during a typical ingress/egress mission phase relative to a conventional mechanical flap-based control suite. The study suggests that AFC technology is both feasible and reasonable for application to aircraft concepts represented by the ICE and SACCON/MULDICON platforms. Areas highlighted for future R and D investment include: AFC valve reliability/maintainability and the maturation of technology, integration, and manufacturing readiness to level 5 or greater. Further assessments are proposed to explore the application of AFC to the take-off/landing and maneuvering mission phases. A comprehensive framework for integrating flow control into the aerodynamic design of a next generation UAV and assessing its system impact on that aircraft has been established.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1148023
Entities
Organizations
- NATO Science and Technology Organization