This paper discusses a number of issues discovered during the conceptual design of a "Super-Premium Business Jet" with a forward swept wing. Ideally, the team wished to configure forward-swept-wing aircraft with qualities to competitive effectively with a Gulfstream G650; in other words, long range along with a very high subsonic cruise speed all while retaining compatibility with typical airports. We performed comprehensive trade studies using Phoenix Integration's ModelCenter which linked modified versions of NASA's aerodynamic programs EDET and VORLAX, as well as custom VBA based design tools for structural weight estimation, handling qualities assessment as well as point and mission performance. We discovered many unusual and rarely documented characteristics associated with forward sweep, as well as downfalls in existing codes ability to properly account for forward sweep. These negatively impact the economic viability of such a configuration. Thus, we present a paper that describes a "glorious failure" rather than a successful concept design.
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