Plasma Actuation for Turbulent Skin Friction Drag Reduction on Wing Sections

The goal of the proposed Phase II SBIR project is to advance the research, development, and evaluation of a novel plasma actuator technology referred to as SLIPPS (Smart Longitudinal Instability Prevention via Plasma Surface) for reducing aerodynamic drag on air vehicles. More specifically, the Phase II project will demonstrate net power drag reduction on an airfoil section similar to that used on Predator B UAVs.A preliminary design analysis based on earlier wind tunnel results indicates that, for the same take-off weight and fuel load, a SLIPPS system offers dramatic performance benefits for a Predator B-like system.For example, the estimated 60% reduction in turbulent viscous skin friction drag makes possible substantial increase in loiter time, payload, or operating radius can be increased.