Some Experiments in the Application of Boundary-Layer Control

THE physical concepts of how boundary-layer control can be used to increase lifting capabilities of aircraft are reviewed. The development of boundary-layer control installations for high lift on an F-86 and a C-123 airplane are described, including background, wind tunnel test results, and flight test findings.

These two developments are historical “firsts” and are indicative of the influence that boundary-layer control is likely to have on future aircraft design.