Comparison of Predicted and Measured Formation Flight Interference Effects

Results from a wind tunnel test of two delta wings in close proximity are presented and compared with predictions from a vortex lattice method. The wake effects on lift are slightly overpredicted when the aircraft overlap in the spanwise direction. The wake induced effects on pitching and rolling moment are well predicted. A maximum induced drag reduction of 25% is measured on the trail aircraft, compared with a 40% predicted reduction.