UCAV Backwards Engine Configuration

New trends in aircraft design suggest that there may be a mission advantage to placing the aircraft engine in backwards for applications in Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAV’s). These aircraft use stealth as their primary defense. Stealth is, therefore, of utmost importance leaving aerodynamics to take a lower priority in the design process. The combination of a flying wing, planform shape, airfoil and stability and control of these aircraft limit the maximum lift coefficient of the vehicle to a relatively low value. Increasing the maximum lift coefficient can be achieved by use of thrust vectoring forward of the center of gravity. This suggests an internal layout that places the engine flow opposite to that of the free stream. This design is currently being developed in an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University undergraduate design course.