Experimental Verification of a Semi-Empirical V/STOL Aircraft Performance Analysis Method

Abstract : Verification of a previously developed semi-empirical Vertical/Short Take-off and Landing (V/STOL) aircraft performance analysis program is discussed. The proposed method uses actuator disk theory for the propeller slipstream velocity calculations starting from an input thrust. Semi-empirical formulations are used in order to estimate the forces and moments generated by the highly coupled propeller and wing interaction. The main objective of this study is to compare the results of the method with existing experimental measurement and determine the validity to use this method of calculation for the design optimization of V/STOL vehicles. Two existing NASA experiment cases are investigated and compared