Handling and Performance Characteristics of Swept-Forward Flying Wing Aircraft

Four unique man-carrying flying wing sailplanes were designed, built, and flown by the author. Special attention was devoted to their stability, control, and aerodynamic efficiency. Of the various designs tested, all exhibited excellent stability. However, pitch and roll control systems with undesirable drag characteristics plagued early experiments. A recent configuration utilizing a swept forward wing in conjunction with a spoiler-aileron roll control system appears to have solved most previous maneuvering problems.