Flight Performance of a Circulation Controlled STOL Aircraft

Theoretical and wind tunnel studies have been performed on various high-lift airfoils using circulation control by blowing over a circular trailing edge. On the basis of these studies, a full scale Technology Demonstrator STOL aircraft was designed, constructed, and flight tested/Circulation control blowing air was provided by bleed air from a gas turbine. The first series of flight tests have recently been completed. Satisfactory STOL performance and handling characteristics were obtained. Advantages of this system are high lift to power ratio, and near level aircraft attitude at all speeds.