Numerical Study on Aerodynamic Characteristics of Variable-sweep Morphing Aircraft at Transonic Speeds

Abstract The variable-sweep morphing aircraft (VMA) has both high speed and low speed flight performance, and can be competent for combat tasks and practical requirements in different flight environments. Aerodynamic characteristics of VMA have a great impact on flight performance. The transonic stage is particularly important in the whole variation process. It is also one of the most difficult problems in aerodynamic layout design of aircraft. In order to explore the aerodynamic characteristics of the VMA at transonic speeds, this paper adopts an efficient engineering algorithm. The aerodynamic characteristics of VMA at different Sweepback Angle, Angle of attack, Mach number and Altitude are analysed. The result demonstrates that: Sweepback Angle has great influence on aerodynamic characteristics of aircraft. For the lift coefficient, at subsonic speeds, small sweep has great influence. When the Angle of attack (AOA) is 12°, the sweepback changes from 45° to 25°, and the lift coefficient increases by 48.9%. At transonic speeds, large sweepback has great influence. When the AOA is 12°, the sweepback changes from 75° to 55°, and the lift coefficient increases by 85.7%. For the drag coefficient, at subsonic speeds, small sweepback has great influence. When the AOA is 12°, the sweepback changes from 45° to 25°, and the drag coefficient increases by 45.5%.All the changes of sweepback have great influence on drag coefficient at transonic speeds. The influence of sweepback on lift-drag ratio is complex. In general, when the Mach number increases, the sweepback corresponding to the maximum lift-drag ratio increases. The altitude factor only has some influence on the drag coefficient at subsonic speeds. These aerodynamic change rules can provide a basis for the shape design and dynamic analysis of VMA.