Aircraft Pay-Offs and Requirements for a Jet Flap Propulsion System

Jet flaps, because of their propulsive lift characteristics, have the theoretical potential to improve fighter aircraft performance. Studies have shown that to achieve these improvements afterburning jet flaps are required. The benefits gained are primarily at high lift coefficients; consequently, there is a significant interaction between the jet flap effects and the wing aerodynamics. In order to integrate the jet flap into fighter designs, short afterburners are necessary. Titanium sandwich construction appears to be the best structural concept for a jet flap.