Implementation of Extreme STOL Capability in Cruise Efficient Aircraft

Aerotonomy, Incorporated and the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), will develop enabling technologies for an aircraft that is capable of Extreme Short Takeoff and Landing (ESTOL), while retaining efficient transonic cruise performance, by applying a comprehensive, systems-based design and analysis approach to innovative combinations of active flow control methodologies. The development of this technology directly supports the four strategic goals of NASA's Next Generation Air Transportation System (NGATS), namely 1) increased capacity, 2) improved safety and reliability, 3) increased efficiency and performance, and 4) reduced energy consumption and environmental impact. Individual circulation control technologies have been explored over the years, and have been demonstrated to provide highly effective force and moment augmentation and improved control capabilities. However, previous investigations generally did not focus on combining these CC systems into a cohesive and functional aircraft subsystem, nor did they examine CC impacts on other aircraft subsystems or overall integration issues. The primary innovation in the proposed project will be an optimal Combined Circulation Control (C3) system that maximizes net CC performance benefits over all flight phases, determined through a comprehensive set of systems-impact trades, including examinations of impacts on power requirements, propulsion system performance, noise characteristics, cost, reliability and aircraft weight.