High-Performance, Low-Sonic-Boom Supersonic Cruise Inlet

This proposal describes a research study to define a high-speed inlet model for flight-testing on the F-15B at NASA Dryden. The objectives of the flight test program are to obtain off-design performance and shock wave signatures for a high-speed inlet designed for supersonic cruise. This proposal identifies a new design concept that not only provides very high inlet performance but also incorporates design features that minimize contribution to sonic boom. The proposed effort includes inlet aerodynamic design, subsystem designs for off-design airflow matching, a conceptual mechanical design, and a detailed plan for follow-on flight research. It is expected that this Phase I effort will identify an inlet in sufficient detail to allow quick model fabrication for flight-testing in a Phase II effort. This follow-on effort would result in verification of off-design inlet operation and airflow matching, and the near-elimination of inlet contribution to sonic boom. This proposal responds to the SBIR subtopic by proposing a study for flight research that will verify low sonic boom technology to help enable supersonic flight over land. Overland flight is critical for the success of a supersonic business jet, and will enhance the economic viability of a supersonic transport.