Novel Aerodynamic Designs of a Hypersonic Warfighter

Abstract

Boeing Integrated Defense Systems has performed exploratory studies of novel aerodynamic designs for future hypersonic air vehicles. These airframes feature concepts of a unique Arch wing and use conformal forward steering devices. An inflatable conical boattail to be deployed at lower flight speeds is also included for achieving base drag reduction to the afterbody of an Arch winged reusable launch vehicle (RLV). Potential applications of these designs include advanced RLVs that loft many similarly configured 'Bus-like' hypersonic glide vehicles. These latter vehicles are warfighters that stage from their boosters and can subsequently deliver tube-launched submunitions. These are to be base-released from the warfighter vehicles while along their flight paths and target against various enemy airborne and ground stations positioned at nominally distant and global locations. Preliminary wind tunnel tests of these innovative aerodynamic design concepts were compared to a typical planar wing (matched in planform) at low and hypersonic speeds with focus on the flight qualities that might be gained by the use of an Arch wing (Figure 1) and these results show potential benefits that may be realized in the successful performance of their military missions. Compared to typical RLVs equipped with planar wings, our novel concepts feature a uniquely configured Arch wing that can provide increased lift, reduced drag-due-to-lift, extended ranges, enhanced flight endurance, greater maneuverability and higher aerodynamic stability. In addition, our innovative conformal forward steering devices are designed to provide controllability in pitch as well as yaw. As envisioned in its role as a warfighter, multiple 'Bus-like' hypersonic gliders are likely capable of delivering scores of submunitions needed for defeating above and underground enemy stations. These 'Bus-like' vehicles are to be GPS/radar guided and have similar advanced Arch wing designs. The Busses are to be weaponized and staged from their boosters upon reaching high altitudes and hypersonic speeds. Subsequently, these warfighters are designed to carry and deliver multiple, aft- released weapons from their base regions and then be guided via GPS to attack and defeat a string of enemy ground targets (Figure 2). Compared to conventional high-speed air vehicles, our advanced warfighters are likely to be more cost effective and with greater success in the performance of their missions.