Flight Test Investigations of a Wing Designed for Natural Laminar Flow

Full scale flight tests of a wing designed for natural laminar flow (NLF) have provided insight into the aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoil used (NLF(1)-0414F), and into the effects of transition location on airfoil lift, drag, pitching moment and overall aircraft performance. Results of these tests help answer questions pertaining to the development of aircraft using NLF airfoils such as the one tested. These data also provide comparisons of predictions based on computational and wind tunnel test methods. Instrumentation methods used to gather data during these tests include flush mounted airfoil pressure orifices, hot film anemometers and a wing mounted integrating wake rake.