Implementation of Extreme STOL Capability in Cruise Efficient Aircraft, Phase II

Aerotonomy, Incorporated, the Georgia Tech Research Institute, and the Boeing Company propose here to continue work towards the development of commercially viable enabling technologies for a Cruise Efficient, ESTOL-capable Transport Aircraft (CEETA). Results of the Phase I effort provide a broad, systems-based assessment of several innovative Combined Circulation Control (C3) techniques that represent a significant potential solution in the space of high lift technologies. Highlights of the proposed Phase II program will be: 1) Significant enhancement of the overall systems-based C3 impacts analysis by refining the weight, compressed air requirements, propulsion system, flight performance, environmental, cost, and reliability impacts analyses as well as conducting a meaningful examination of Figure of Merit weighting schemes. 2) Low speed wind tunnel tests of a 3D half-span, subscale CEETA with integrated C3 systems to generate detailed 3D aerodynamic data that include interaction effects among the various circulation control devices. 3) Execution of an experimental flight program using a subscale, mass-scaled CEETA testbed that enables direct performance comparisons between an aircraft equipped with C3-based high lift devices and an aircraft equipped with conventional high lift devices at the same wing loading, as well as evaluations of real-world issues associated with integrating C3 devices into a flight-ready vehicle.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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