Feasibility Study of a Multi-Purpose Aircraft Concept with a Leading-Edge Cross-Flow Fan

A wing-embedded Cross-Flow Fan (CFF) was first proposed as an active flow control (AFC) device nearly 40 years ago. The CFF can be employed as a propulsion device as well as a high-lift system. This thesis research focuses on investigating the use of CFF as a high-lift device for an Extremely Short Take-off and Landing (ESTOL) aircraft. The wing-embedded CFF performance analysis is mostly addressed from an aerodynamic perspective and focuses on using such AFC technology in the conceptual aircraft design process. In particular, the design trade study of an aircraft featuring CFF as a high-lift device applied to a conceptual design of a medium-range multi-purpose aircraft is performed. A sensitivity analysis is employed to investigate the impact of the CFF on the aircraft weight, aerodynamics, stability and control, and fight performance. The aircraft design modifications are introduced to maximize the aircraft mission performance given the fan specifications and constraints. Results indicate a reduction of the take-of field length by 18% and 22% depending on the CFF system integration with the payload penalty of 14% and 17%, respectively. The aircraft ferry range is also decreased compared to the baseline aircraft design. The scaling analysis of the aircraft concept is performed to determine the potential market for such AFC technology. The results show that a light GA airplane or a small-to-medium size UAV could benefit more from the wing-embedded CFF compared to more heavy airplanes