Analysis Of The Effects Of Boundary Layer Control On The Power Off Landing Performance Characteristics Of A Liaison Type Of Airplane

An investigation was made to determine the effects of boundary-layer control on the landing performance characteristics of a liaison type of airplane having a payload of 1500 pounds and a flight duration of 5 hours. The aspect ratio was varied from 5 to 15, the wing span from 30 to 100 feet, and the brake horsepower from 300 to 1200. The use of boundary-layer control caused reduction in total landing distance (25 to 40 percent), ground-run distance, gliding speed, and stalling speed whereas sinking speed was increased only slightly.

A performance analysis is given to determine whether bondary-layer control by suction might reduce the minimum take-off distance of a four- or five-place airplane. Results indicate that boudary-layer control might be effective in improving the take-off characteristics of this type airplane having wing loading of 10 or more pounds per square foot and aspect ratios of 10 or more.

Includes the Committee's Technical reports no. 1-1058, reprinted in v. 1-37.