Published online by Cambridge University Press: 03 February 2016
A new approach for low-drag high-lift system design based on the application of viscous flow solvers was developed in the EC research project EPISTLE. Two high-lift systems for a supersonic commercial transport aircraft (SCT) wing were designed, manufactured and wind-tunnel tested. The predicted large drag reductions were fully confirmed by tests at high Reynolds numbers. These drag reductions significantly reduce the low-speed noise of future SCT configurations. This was estimated by preliminary aircraft design tools. Low-speed noise reduction by aerodynamic means is obtained, as effective high-lift systems enable these aircraft to climb faster.