Aerodynamic Design and Performance of a Bent-Axis Geometry Vehicle

Variable bent-axis maneuvering vehicles provide a unique type of control for a variety of supersonic and hypersonic missions. Unfortunately, the large hinge moments often associated with these vehicles have prevented their application. This study examines the application of both experimental data and computational aerodynamics techniques in the design of such vehicles. A procedure is presented for the efficient design of a bent-axis geometry given a set of system constraints. In particular, the selection of vehicle parameters to produce minimum hinge moments for trimmed flight is examined in detail. Finally, the overall performance of the bent-axis geometry is reviewed in terms of static stability, lift-to-drag ratio, and control effectiveness.