Aerodynamic Technology Opportunities for a High-Speed Civil Transport

Joint sponsored NASA and McDonnell Douglas studies applied to high-speed civil transports have identified that aerodynamic technology advancements are required to satisfy both mission performance and environmental compatibility. To meet these requirements, reductions must be made relative to current technology in takeoff gross weight, sonic boom, and jet (community) noise. The application of advanced computational fluid dynamic (CFD) methods to vehicle shaping and concepts that increase laminar boundary layer flow will improve aerodynamic drag. This will, in turn, reduce fuel burn, leading to a takeoff gross weight reduction. Computerized wing aerodynamic control surface deflections have been identified as opportunities to reduce wing aerodynamic loads and structural weight and at the same time correct undesirable aerodynamic pitching characteristics. Concepts employing vehicle shaping to minimize sonic boom and jet suppression/engine cycles to lower noise can be combined with weight reduction technologies to achieve environmental compatibility.