Development and Testing of a Wing Morphing Mechanism for the Control of a Swept Wing Tailless Aircraft 2005-01-3391

Inspired by flight in nature, work done by Lippisch, the Hortens, and Northrop offered a chance at achieving the efficiency of bird flight with swept-wing tailless aircraft. Tailless designs have been forced incorporate aerodynamic compromises for control, which have inhibited potential advantages. A morphing mechanism, which changes the twist of wing and can provide pitch, roll and yaw control for a tailless swept wing aircraft. This mechanism is the first step is a series of morphing techniques, which will lead to more fluid, bird-like flight. This research is investigating the design of a morphing wing to improve the flight characteristics of a tailless aircraft. Flight demonstrator and wind-tunnel data is being used to evaluate the stability, control and efficiency of a morphing swept wing tailless aircraft.