LARGE-SCALE WIND-TUNNEL TESTS OF A CIRCULAR PLAN-FORM AIRCRAFT WITH A PERIPHERAL JET FOR LIFT, THRUST, AND CONTROL

Full-scale tests have been conducted in the Ames 40-by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel to determine the performance 3 stability_ and control characteristics of a research aircraft having a circular plan form and employing a peripheral Jet for lift 3 thrust, and control.The aircraft was 18 feet in diameter and 18 percent thick.Propulsion was provided by a 5-foot-diameter rotor which took in air through the wing upper surface and drove it through internal ducting to a peripheral nozzle designed to provide thrust vector control.Six-component aerodynamic data and propulsion system flow data were obtained at various angles of attack over a range of jet-momentum coefficients from 0 to 3.4.Flight characteristics in the cruise configuration were determined at altitudes ranging from 12 feet 7 inches to 2 feet 8 inches.Transition-flight characteristics were studied only at the lowest ground height.Some effects of forward speed on rotor performance were also investigated.