Performance study of a tapered flying wing with bell-shaped lift distribution

Jonathan S. Richter, Jason B. Woodring, Sophie E. Fox, Ramesh K. Agarwal

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recent advancements in bell-shaped lift distributions have led to the discovery of proverse yaw control authority, which unlocks an additional control mechanism within the lateral-directional control space, reducing stability and control constraints. This led to the design of the “Biom T1,” a straight tapered flying wing without quarter chord sweep or vertical surfaces. Previous research has validated the Biom T1’s stability and control. This research seeks to determine its performance metrics. Classical performance analysis is conducted comparing the Biom design philosophy to state-of-the-art aircraft fulfilling its potential missions: RQ-11, MQ-9, U-2R, and RQ-4. These were selected as they represent a wide range of aircraft scales and have sufficient data available to estimate performance metrics. The analysis compares range, payload capacity, and loiter endurance. Aerodynamic data is sourced from AeroSandbox, an open source non-linear lifting line theory solver. These results are compared to available information for these aircraft, where most present results are within 27.5% of their public counterparts. Initial data predicts that the Biom design performs above in range (r) and loiter endurance (e) compared to the RQ-11 (20.4% r, 20.5% e) MQ-9 (416% r,415% e) and RQ-4 (189.3% r, 1.893% e). and below in payload capacity compared to the MQ-9 and RQ-4. When compared to the U-2R, the Biom performs below in range and endurance due to increased drag (-21.8% r,-23.1% e) in the transonic region, and above in payload capacity. The Biom is comparable in payload capacity to the RQ-11.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAIAA Scitech 2021 Forum
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
Pages1-37
Number of pages37
ISBN (Print)9781624106095
StatePublished - 2021
EventAIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, AIAA SciTech Forum 2021 - Virtual, Online
Duration: Jan 11 2021Jan 15 2021

Publication series

NameAIAA Scitech 2021 Forum

Conference

ConferenceAIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, AIAA SciTech Forum 2021
CityVirtual, Online
Period01/11/2101/15/21

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