Investigation into the Feasibility of Utilizing Wind Shear for Obtaining Continuous Non-Powered Flight.

Abstract

The feasibility of utilizing an atmospheric velocity gradient for obtaining continuous non-powered flight was analyzed mathematically and experimentally. It was discovered that there seems to be no theoretical bar to using wind shear for this purpose. The velocity gradients in the upper atmosphere were found to be too weak for maintaining continuous non-powered flight. But in the vicinity of the earth's boundary layer wind shear strengths necessary for this purpose were observed. A theoretical flight pattern was developed - numerically analyzed and flight tested - using a powered aircraft to simulate high performance sailplanes. Though an increase in aircraft performance was realized, a zero net loss of altitude was not achieved. It is concluded, however, that further research is warranted, especially concerning the related topics of jet stream shears, vertical updraft considerations and more efficient flight schedules. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 03, 1976
Accession Number
ADA032716

Entities

People

  • Frederick G. Johnson

Organizations

  • United States Naval Academy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Altitude
  • Boundary Layer
  • Buildings And Structures
  • Flight Paths
  • Gliders
  • Ground Speed
  • Layers
  • Meteorology
  • Numerical Analysis
  • United States
  • United States Naval Academy
  • Vertical Takeoff Aircraft
  • Wind Direction
  • Wind Shear
  • Wind Velocity

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Structural Dynamics.