Multi-Disciplinary Design and Performance Assessment of Effective, Agile NATO Air Vehicles

Abstract

The Task Group AVT-251 was established to use the outstanding knowledge base, expertise and qualified methods from the predecessor Task groups to demonstrate the capabilities of a computational multi-disciplinary design approach. The aim of AVT-251 was to re-design the SACCON UCAV concept based on selected design requirements and to document and evaluate the design strategy and use of advanced design tools with respect to applicability and reliability. The main achievement of AVT-251 was the design of a new UCAV concept called MULDICON. The design trade studies were conducted within a framework of several design teams, focusing on aircraft design, aerodynamics, controls, structures, and engine integration; the time and resource requirements used for the study were recorded. This study represents a good example of how modern design and analysis tools can streamline the design process, as well as being able to come up with a feasible configuration within a reasonably short period of time and limited resources. The MULDICON configuration has similarities to a number of other modern UCAVs and represents a feasible design that would have controllable flight characteristics at angles of attack that will make the configuration agile and capable of fulfilling more challenging missions.