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Super/hypersonic aerodynamic characteristics for a transatmospheric vehicle concept having a minimum drag forebodyExperimental longitudinal and lateral-directional aerodynamic characteristics were obtained for a generic transatmospheric vehicle concept having a replaceable minimum drag forebody shape. The alternate forebody tested was a 1/4-power series body. Tests were made over a range of Mach numbers from 2 to 10 at a nominal Reynolds number, based on a length of 2.3 x 10 to the 8th and angles of attack from -4 to 20 deg. The minimum drag forebody provided significant improvements in minimum drag and L/D for the configuration as well as a longitudinally stabilizing increment. Although the baseline configuration is longitudinally unstable, the L/D improvements at low to moderate angles of attack would enhance cruise performance. Varying wing incidence angles was demonstrated as an effective horizontal trim device without significant trim drag penalties.
Document ID
19910057935
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Phillips, W. P.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Cruz, Christopher I.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1991
Subject Category
Aerodynamics
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 91-1694
Accession Number
91A42558
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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