Performance Analysis of Aircraft with Laminar Flow Control System Based on Conceptual Design Method

Abstract

Laminar flow control is next-generation technology which is expected to improve aerodynamic performance greatly. As for an application of laminar flow control in the aircraft design, it is important to consider comprehensive effects of laminar flow control system on design results. In this paper, we include the effects caused by additional laminar flow control system into the aircraft conceptual design tool and consider interactive effects on aerodynamic, propulsion and secondary power systems. Two types of laminar flow control technology have been considered and were applied to 200 passenger class transport aircraft. They are natural laminar flow (NLF) and hybrid laminar flow control (HLFC). Results indicated that NLF can improve lift / drag ratio and fuel consumption, and hence decreases the aircraft empty weight. Applying the HLFC improves lift / drag ratio and fuel consumption further. However, because of the additional weight of HLFC system, the maximum take-off weight of HLFC aircraft is equivalent to that of the NLF.