Effects of Forebody, Wing and Wing-Body-LEX Flowfields on High Angle of Attack Aerodynamics

Vortex flows emanating from the forebody and from hybrid wings can have a strong influence on the high angle-of-attack handling qualities and the departure and spin resistance of fighter aircraft. Depending on the strengths, orientation, and breakdown characteristics of these vortices, an aircraft may be departure prone or departure resistant. Northrop has conducted in-depth studies to determine the effect of these shed vortices. Arising from these studies general guidelines have been developed for the design of forebody shapes and hybrid-wing planform shapes such that aircraft stability will be enhanced.