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Flight experiments to evaluate the effect of wing-tip sails on fuel consumption and handling characteristics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

J. J. Spillman
Affiliation:
College of Aeronautics, Cranfield Institute of Technology
H. Y. Ratcliffe
Affiliation:
College of Aeronautics, Cranfield Institute of Technology
A. McVitie
Affiliation:
College of Aeronautics, Cranfield Institute of Technology

Extract

Studies made of the flow about the wing-tip of a wind tunnel model showed that the vortex-type flow generally associated with the rolled-up vortex sheet well behind the tip existed just behind the trailing edge and seemed to be forming over the top of the wing-tip itself. As a result small cambered aerofoils were attached to the wing-tip to redirect the flow locally in such a way that each experienced a force with a significant thrust component. The effect is similar to that generated by the sail of a close-hauled yacht; consequently these small tip extensions were called sails. Reference 1 describes the original wind tunnel and the preliminary flight tests of sails mounted from the tip tanks of the Paris aircraft of the Cranfield Institute of Technology.

Type
Technical Notes
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1979 

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References

1. Spillman, J. J. The use of wing-tip sails to reduce vortex drag. The Aeronautical Journal of the RAeS September 1978.Google Scholar
2. Marbore VI Operation Manual Turbomeca Publication 224-01-944.Google Scholar