Comparison of channel wing theoretical and experimental performance

Abstract

Inter-city air passenger travel is increasing more rapidly than the capacity of air traffic infrastructure. Delays and congestion are projected to continue increasing despite growth in air traffic control, use of larger aircraft, and airport capacity enhancement projects. Therefore, there is a need to improve service in short-haul markets that permit rapid and convenient air travel between metropolitan areas. This research evaluates the channel wing concept to enable Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities on a quartermile strip, allowing industrial or business complexes access to aviation services on their own property. This concept could minimize speed and range penalties while enabling STOL. The channel wing wind-tunnel testing was conducted at varying angles of attack, power settings, and velocities. From these tests, a better understanding of the channel wing lift and drag characteristics was obtained. Predicted performance characteristics of the channel wing using the Blick Theory did not have good correlation with wind-tunnel experimental data. This may be due to poor airfoil data at low Reynolds number that was used to make the lift coefficient predictions. The experimental data did show an improvement in the maximum lift coefficient that could be obtained. The wing stall characteristics were also changed from those of a conventional wing.