A summary of experimental research on propulsive-lift concepts in the Langley 16-foot transonic tunnel

A summary of research on both conceptual and practical configurations in which the aircraft's powerplant is integrated to take advantage of propulsion-induced aerodynamics conducted in the Langley 16-foot transonic tunnel has been made. These investigations included: (1) vectoring a partial-span jet exhaust at a wing trailing edge; (2) thrust vectoring characteristics of a twin, two-dimensional variable-geometry wedge nozzle; (3) a jet exhaust/upper surface blowing concept for fighter aircraft; and (4) jets blowing over the wing. These studies indicate a potential for increasing maneuverability of fighter aircraft at high lift coefficients. With proper integration of the powerplant and the airframe, significant improvements in cruise performance of both fighter and transport aircraft are possible.