PROJECT TITLE: Aircraft Drag Reduction by Vortex Control
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A comprehensive program involving water tunnel testing, Navier-Stokes computer code analysis, transonic wind tunnel testing and system integration studies is proposed to reduce the drag levels caused by the first generation design of the forebody/pilots cab drag levels on 727/737 and 707 aircraft now in service. The Phase I program will demonstrate by testing and analysis the complex flow phenomena causing the problem and will investigate by the water tunnel test some unique add-on type modifications designed to modify the vortex flow and thereby reduce the drag levels. Phase II will continue the water tunnel testing, the computer code analysis and will include a large scale model transonic wind tunnel test to demonstrate by accurate force balance measurements cost-effective modifications with the desired drag reductions. System integration and marketing studies will also be conducted in Phase II. The implementation of the drag-reducing modifications to these aircraft will have a substantial fuel-savings benefit and will reduce the noise levels in the pilot’s cab improving the pilot’s comfort.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The successful Phase I and Phase II programs will have a direct application to over 6000 aircraft now flying in the world. The control and mitigation of the vortex flows will reduce the forebody/pilot's cab drag levels resulting in over 100 million dollars saved by reduced fuel costs for the 727/737, and 707 (KC135, E3) aircraft.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
John T. Kutney, Sr.
KCS-COS-INC
110 Wentworth Ave
Cincinnati , OH 45215
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
KCS-COS-INC
110 Wentworth Ave
Cincinnati , OH 45215