Effect of the wing airfoil shape on the aerodynamics and performance of a jet-trainer aircraft – An optimization approach

Abstract

Among the key factors in developing the performance of military aircraft are its aerodynamic characteristics and performance. This research presents the effect of shape of the wing airfoil on the aerodynamic characteristics and performance of the popular jet trainer aircraft L-39C. The aerodynamic data of different airfoil shapes were used to determine the aerodynamic characteristics and performance of the L-39C for different airfoil shapes in an effort to optimize the aircrafts aerodynamic and performance. NACA 64A012 airfoil is currently used on the L-39C, however, there may exist many airfoils that may have potential to improve the aerodynamic characteristics and hence the aircraft performance. For this purpose, a group of NACA airfoils are selected, namely, NACA 4412, NACA 2415, NACA 64212 and NACA 64215. Each of these airfoil influences the aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft and hence its performance. For each airfoil, the aircraft performance in terms of thrust required, power required, and rate of climb at different altitudes and airspeeds are calculated and analysed. The airfoil data were calculated at cruising flight at zero angle of attack to reduce the variables that can affect the calculations. The results of the calculation and analysis showed that NACA 4412 has significant results in terms of aerodynamic characteristics although in terms of aerodynamic performance, the NACA 64A012 and NACA 4412 showed lower thrust required and power required. NACA 4412 has a (C L )max of 1.67, whereas NACA 64A012 has a (C L )max of 1.336, indicating that the airfoil stalled early at higher altitudes. NACA 4412 also showed better results in terms of aerodynamic characteristics compared to the other selected airfoils although NACA 64A012 shows some variance in the results. NACA 4412 and NACA 64A212 have shown to be promising in aerodynamic characteristics and performance where one has its own benefits over the other. Although in the end, NACA 4412 may be recommended for its aerodynamic characteristics and performance.