Aerodynamically Actuated Radical Shape Change

Aerodynamic-actuation enables radical shape change at reduced weight. Additionally, this concept uses the shape-change actuation as a primary flight control thereby simplifying the design and saving further weight. These weight savings enable radical change with viable weight penalties. Our efforts will first evaluate the shape-change concept on a systems level to gain quantitative predictions of overall structural weight and aircraft performance for a given payload. Comparison calculations will be made for a modern conventional aircraft. More »