ROYAL AERONAUTICAL SOCIETY 2014 APPLIED AERODYNAMICS CONFERENCE AERODYNAMIC ASPECTS OF A LOW-OBSERVABLE DEMONSTRATOR AIRCRAFT

摘要

The features associated with low observability place stringent challenges and constraints on the aerodynamic design of combat aircraft. The resolution of those challenges is illustrated by reference to a successful UK national programme to design, develop, build, qualify, and fly a low observable demonstrator aircraft. Flight demonstration demands the integrated solution of all aspects of aircraft aerodynamics, encompassing the wide range of sub-skills which make up the aerodynamics discipline, including the broad topics of configuration design, propulsion integration, flight dynamics, and aerostructures. The leading aerodynamic features of the design and their development are described and the basic aerodynamic characteristics illustrated. The use of an appropriate range of modelling techniques is described, including semi-empirical (datasheet) and analytical methods, computation (CFD), physical test (including wind tunnel), and simulation. Modelling results and flight data are reviewed. Qualification and certification for flight are of central importance in the aerodynamic process. The approach to qualification in the context of an affordable demonstration programme is described.