A-10 Analysis Using HPCMP CREATETM-AV Kestrel Product Utilizing the Firebolt Propulsion Component

Abstract

The A-10 System Program Office is exploring enhancements to the aircraft’s current inboard leading-edge slat system. The A-10 mission requires operation at high angles of attack and high angles of sideslip, which increase the likelihood of engine inlet flow distortion. This distorted engine inlet flow can adversely affect engine performance and stability. This analysis presents simulation results to quantify the effects of proposed wing enhancements, using the HPCMP CREATE TM -AV Kestrel Product, comparing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results and wind tunnel test data for the baseline wing and one proposed wing enhancement. In one set of analyses, the full-scale aircraft simulations include a Firebolt propulsion component zero-dimensional (0-D) TF34 engine model in each nacelle on the A-10 to simulate the engine effect. Additionally, a full-annulus turbomachinery TF34 fan simulation is included in one A-10 engine nacelle and compared to both the 0-D engine model cases and wind tunnel data for the baseline wing. Because of the proximity of existing store pylons to the proposed wing enhancement, a store separation analysis is presented comparing the baseline wing to the proposed enhancement for an empty fuel tank store. These store separation simulations include the 0-D engine model to incorporate engine effects on store separations. Finally, to demonstrate the recent nearbody, off-body capability included in Kestrel, a near-body, off-body store separation simulation is included and compared to an all-unstructured-mesh solution.