Flight control of a flying wing aircraft based on circulation control using synthetic jet actuators

Abstract

To achieve the nice stealth performance and aerodynamic maneuverability of a Flying Wing Aircraft (FWA), a longitudinal aerodynamic control technology based on circulation control using trailing-edge synthetic jet actuators was proposed without the movement of rudders. Effects on the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of a small-sweep FWA were investigated. Then, flight tests were carried out to verify the control abilities, providing a novel technology for the design of a future rudderless FWA. Results show that synthetic jets could narrow the dead zone area, improve the flow velocity near the trailing edge, and then move the trailing-edge separation point and the leading-edge stagnation point downwards, which make the effective Attack of Angle (AOA) increase, thereby enhancing the pressure envelope area. Circulation control based on synthetic jets could improve the lift, drag and nose-down moment. The variations of lift and nose-down moment decrease with the growth of AOA caused by the improved reverse pressure gradient and the weakened circulation control efficiency. Finally, synthetic jet actuators were integrated into the trailing edge of a small-sweep FWA, which could realize the roll and pitch control without deflections of rudders during the cruise stage, and the maximum roll and pitch angular velocity are 12.64 (°)/s and 8.51 (°)/s, respectively.