Application of a Slotted, Natural-Laminar-Flow Airfoil to an 18-Meter High-Performance Sailplane

Mark D. Maughmer, Christopher J. Axten, Philip Chidekel, Leonard Metkowsk, Dan M. Somers

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A flapped, slotted, natural-laminar-flow airfoil was recently wind-tunnel tested. Given that its design specifications and the Reynolds number range of the experimental results closely match those required for the FAI 18-Meter class of racing sailplanes, this airfoil, the S702, was evaluated in a design and performance study of such an aircraft and compared with a current competitive sailplane in this class. The S702 design had significantly better climb and cross-country performance. While specific to this application, it is felt that this work can provide insight into the use of this or similar airfoils on other aircraft in this operating regime, such as general aviation, unmanned air vehicles, and so forth.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624107115
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
EventAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024 - Orlando, United States
Duration: Jan 8 2024Jan 12 2024

Publication series

NameAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024

Conference

ConferenceAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period1/8/241/12/24

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering

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