A comparative study of hybrid flow control system architectures for an A320 aircraft

Abstract

Due to fast-growing air traffic and the increasing cost pressure, the introduction of flow control technologies for the reduction of fuel consumption and direct operating costs in the next generation aircraft is highly likely. The successful application of new technologies depends on the economic and system integration feasibility. Much research has been done in the past on important flow control technologies such as Active Flow Separation Control (AFSC) and Hybrid Laminar Flow Control (HLFC). The system architecture for HLFC and AFSC systems are different and also the needs and purpose of both the systems are different. Considering the application of these two technologies on an A320 aircraft vertical tail plane, a total drag reduction of 3.01% was estimated, with fuel savings of up to 2.02% for a 3000NM range. This paper also analyzed and compared various flow control system architectures and the associated economic benefits and flight performance. A trade-off study is performed to compare and analyze the benefits of various systems architecture and to determine the flow control system with most benefits.