Three surface aircraft (TSA) configuration – flying qualities evaluation

Abstract Purpose Unconventional configuration aircrafts are not often designed because of many problems, mainly with stability and trim. However, they could be very promising. The problems can be compensated by extraordinary performance and some flying characteristics. The three-surface aircraft, presented in the paper, is such a configuration – problems and profits are both present, but advantages seem to be more prevalent. This paper aims to present main assumptions for a new, three-surfaces aircraft design, its evaluation according to flying quality requirements and the discussion on selected performance characteristics. The paper completes with the first experimental results of flight tests of a 40 per cent scaled model. Design/methodology/approach Aerodynamic computations were made using panel method code (KK-AERO, PANUKL). Stability analysis was done using SDSA package, developed within the SimSAC project. Findings Initial design assumptions and numerical analysis results were proven during flight tests. Practical implications The paper contains results of numerical analysis, which were crucial in designing the layout of the new, three-surface aircraft. Originality/value This paper presents an original approach to design a new, unconventional aircraft. The approach and results could be useful in other projects.