26th Congress of International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences
including the 8th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations (ATIO) Conference
14 - 19 September 2008, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
Paper ICAS 2008-1.10.2

SUPERSONIC AIRCRAFT FORMATION FLYING TO INCREASE FLIGHT EFFICIENCY

R. K. Nangia, M. E. Palmer, W. Blake*, C. P. Tilmann*
Nangia Aero Research Associates, UK; *US-AFRL, USA

Keywords: Supersonics, Oblique Flying Wings, Formations, Aircraft Efficiency

One way of increasing flight efficiency, is via Close Formation Flying. For Subsonic regime, 30-50% reduction in lift-induced drag gives 15-25% L/D improvements. We look at potential in Supersonic flight using two types: Oblique Flying Wings (DARPA SwitchBlade) and Conventional Delta Strike Aircraft. Both suggest encouraging 15-25% L/D improvements.

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