Analysis of data from a wind tunnel investigation of a large-scale model of a highly maneuverable supersonic V/STOL fighter - STOL configuration

The surface pressure and thermal characteristics of a large-scale model of a highly maneuverable supersonic fighter with STOL capability are described. The 7.28 m span model is powered by two J-97 turbojets, operated at 9340 N thrust. It combines upper-surface and spanwise blowing to augment the lift characteristics over a wide angle-of-attack range. The most significant feature of the fighter's flow field is the leading edge vortex that forms at low alphas, grows stronger, and moves inboard as alpha is increased. Upper surface blowing enhanced the lift on the wing in both stalled and unstalled areas significantly, while generating only a modest aft shift in the center of pressure. Lift gains were greatest at high alphas and with the flap deflected. Spanwise blowing was most significant at angles-of-attack greater than 8 deg, when the jet strengthened the vortex. The 1100 F spanwise blowing jet mixed very rapidly with the wing flow field, creating a maximum temperature rise of only 300-350 F. A comparison of small-scale and large-scale model wing pressure characteristics showed similar trends created by upper surface blowing, while spanwise blowing characteristics differed considerably. Force data correlated well with semi-empirical predictions for gross thrust coefficients less than 1.0.