Design and Aerodynamic Optimization of a New Reconnaissance Very Light Aircraft through Wind-Tunnel Tests

Design of a new Very Light Aircraft (V.L.A.) called G97 Spotter has been carried out at DPA (Department of Aeronautical Engineering) and an extensive wind tunnel test campaign has been performed on both aircraft and airfoil models. Wind tunnel tests have guided in the design phase allowing configuration optimization. Effects of nacelle and air intake shape, fuselage stretching, wing incidence and flap/aileron effectiveness have been analyzed through wind tunnel tests. The airfoil has also been designed and modified with the help of wind tunnel test results obtained for a model. Optimization of the airfoil leading edge shape has been done and has brought to a sensible drag reduction at high speed conditions. Optimization of the air intake shape on the aircraft model has been performed leading to a configuration characterized by lower drag. Influence of an air intake fairing has been analyzed and tested through wind tunnel tests. Wing stall path has been studied. Importance of wind tunnel tests as a device to analyze and design light aircraft configuration has been highlighted. Presented at Symposium of RTO Applied Vehicle Technology Panel (AVT) Canada, 18-21 Oct 1999, p34-1/34-8. This article is from ADA388284 Aerodynamic Design and Optimisation of Flight Vehicles in a Concurrent Multi-Disciplinary Environment (la Conception et l'optimisation aerodynamiques des vehicules aeriens dans un environnement pluridisciplinaire et simultane)