NASA has successfully completed the first flight test of a scale-model wing designed to enhance laminar flow, a development poised to significantly reduce drag and lower fuel costs for future commercial aircraft. This milestone flight took place on January 29 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, utilizing one of the agency’s F-15B research jets.
The innovative 40-inch Crossflow Attenuated Natural Laminar Flow (CATNLF) wing model, designed by NASA, was attached vertically to the aircraft’s underside, resembling a fin. The 75-minute flight aimed to ensure the aircraft’s safe maneuverability with the additional wing model, marking a pivotal step in aviation technology.
“It was incredible to see CATNLF fly after all of the hard work the team has put into preparing,” said Michelle Banchy, research principal investigator for CATNLF. “Finally seeing that F-15 take off and get CATNLF into the air made all that hard work worth it.”
Revolutionizing Aerodynamics with Laminar Flow
The CATNLF technology is engineered to optimize the smooth flow of air, known as laminar flow, over swept-back wings. This design is prevalent in a variety of aircraft, from commercial airliners to military jets. By minimizing disruptions that lead to drag, maintaining laminar flow could significantly reduce fuel consumption and operational costs.
This inaugural flight is the first of up to 15 planned tests for the CATNLF series, which will evaluate the design across diverse speeds, altitudes, and flight conditions. The primary focus of the initial flight was on envelope expansion, as Banchy explained, “We needed to ensure safe dynamic behavior of the wing model during flight before we can proceed to research maneuvers.”
Testing and Validation
During the flight, the team executed various maneuvers, including turns, steady holds, and gentle pitch changes, at altitudes ranging from approximately 20,000 to nearly 34,000 feet. These tests provided the first insights into the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing model, confirming its expected performance.
To measure laminar flow, the team employed several tools, such as an infrared camera mounted on the aircraft, aimed at the wing model to gather thermal data during the flight tests. This data is crucial for validating key aspects of the design and assessing the model’s efficiency in maintaining smooth airflow.
“CATNLF technology opens the door to a practical approach to getting laminar flow on large, swept components, such as a wing or tail, which offer the greatest fuel burn reduction potential,” Banchy noted.
Building on a Legacy of Innovation
The successful flight builds on extensive groundwork, including computer modeling, wind tunnel testing, ground tests, and high-speed taxi tests. Early results indicate that airflow over the aircraft closely matched predictions made using computer models, reinforcing the design’s efficacy.
NASA plans to continue flight tests to gather comprehensive research data, further validating the CATNLF test article and its potential impact on future commercial aircraft designs. This initiative is part of a collaborative effort under NASA’s Flight Demonstrations and Capabilities project and the Subsonic Vehicle Technologies and Tools project.
The CATNLF concept has received support through the combined efforts of NASA’s Advanced Air Vehicles Program and Integrated Aviation Systems Program under the agency’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. This collaboration underscores NASA’s commitment to pioneering advancements in aviation technology.
As the aerospace industry seeks sustainable solutions, the successful implementation of laminar flow technology could herald a new era of efficient, cost-effective air travel. The ongoing CATNLF testing represents a critical step forward in achieving these goals, with the potential to transform commercial aviation.
