Search Results

Drag reduction technologies in aircraft design are the key enabler for reducing emissions and for sustainable growth of commercial aviation. Laminar wing technologies promise a significant benefit by drag reduction and are therefore under investigation in various European projects. However, of the established moveable concepts and high-lift systems, thus far most do not cope with the requirements for natural laminar flow wings. To this aim new leading edge high-lift systems have been the focus of research activities in the last five years. Such leading edge devices investigated in projects include a laminar flow-compatible Kruger flap [1] and the Droop Nose concept [2, 3] and these can be considered as alternatives to the conventional slat. Hybrid laminar flow concepts are also under investigation at several research institutes in Europe [4].

The high lift systems of modern-day commercial airplanes are highly effective systems providing the required lift during take-off and approach at low flight velocities. State-of-the-art high lift systems consist of movable control surfaces which when deployed increase high lift performance. Typical devices are slats and fowler flaps which consist of rigid parts supported and driven by complex mechanical systems. To achieve the ambitious goals defined in the strategic research agendas provided by the “Advisory Council for Aeronautical Research in Europe” (ACARE), technologies to consequently reduce drag, emissions and airframe noise will be necessary. The goals for the environment (based on the technological level of 2000) are a reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 50%, a reduction of NOx emissions by 80 %, a reduction of perceived external noise by 50% and a reduction of the impact of production, maintenance, and disposal of the A/C [1].