Innovative W-shaped tailless aerodynamic configuration

We present an aerodynamic configuration of W-shaped tailless aircraft. Its design idea is based on the flow behavior of forward-swept wing and the flow control concept. Since its plane shape looks like letter W, we name it W-shaped configuration. In order to study the effect of blended wing-body and high swept side-strake on aerodynamic performance, two schemes are considered: forward-swept wing configuration and W-shaped configuration. Longitudinal aerodynamic performance at M=0.3, Re=2.85×10⁶ of these two configurations are analyzed with Euler method and boundary layer correction. The results show that W-shaped tailless configuration is better in aerodynamic characteristics than forward-swept wing configuration in the following three respects: (1) favorable stall behavior: maximal lift value is C_L=2.25 at α=32°; (2) excellent lift-drag characteristics: K_max=30.3, increased about 20% over the forward-swept wing configuration; (3) good linear pitching moment. Favorable aerodynamic characteristics are mainly due to two factors: (1) blended wing-body lifting body design improves lift-drag performance; (2) high swept side strake not only affords nonlinear vortex lift, but also achieves effective control on the flow separation at the root part of forward-swept wing. From the above, we can draw a conclusion that the aerodynamic design idea of W-shaped tailless configuration is reasonable and promising.