Flight testing of Mission Adaptive Compliant Wing

This paper describes flight test results of a “Mission Adaptive Compliant Wing” (MACWing) variable geometry trailing edge flap in conjunction with a natural laminar flow airfoil. The MAC-Wing technology provides lightweight, low power, variable geometry reshaping of the upper and lower flap surface with no seams or discontinuities. In this particular program, the airfoil-flap system is optimized to maximize the laminar boundary layer extent over a broad lift coefficient range for endurance aircraft applications. The expanded “laminar bucket” capability allows the endurance aircraft to significantly extend their range (15% or more) by continuously optimizing the wing L/D throughout the mission. The wing was tested at full-scale dynamic pressure, full scale Mach, and reduced-scale Reynolds Numbers on Scaled Composites’ White Knight aircraft. Test results confirmed laminar flow regime up to approximately 60% chord for much of the lift range. Analysis and test results suggest significant fuel savings, weight savings and a higher control authority. Preliminary drag results, future aerodynamic applications and vehicle performance projections are discussed.