Influence of aerodynamic research on the performance of supersonic airplanes

Abstract

This paper illustrates the type of aerodynamic research being done toward the development of supersonic vehicles and demonstrates how the results of this research can influence the conclusions of parametric studies of supersonic vehicle performance. Research areas that are covered include high lift, transonic drag, and supersonic drag. Testing techniques are discussed briefly, as well as results showing the improvements that research effort is producing in each of these fields. The parametric studies use wing loading and thrust loading as basic parameters. The effect on range for a given payload and gross weight is shown along with the limitations imposed by takeoff and landing field lengths, climb requirements, etc. Finally, the changes in performance are described which result from improvements in the various aerodynamic areas discussed earlier.