Higher Aspect Ratio Optimal Wing

Brief Summary of Completion / Accomplishment:
•Future wings are expected to be higher aspect ratio, lighter, and more flexible in order to reduce drag and improve performance. The High Aspect Ratio Optimal Wing Technical Challenge 2.1 (TC2.1) explored multiple approaches to address the challenges with increasing aspect ratio. The five technical approaches were Performance Adaptive AeroelasticWing (PAAW), Passive AeroelasticTailored Wing (PATW), Active Flow Control Wing (ACFW), Natural Laminar Flow Wing, (NLFW) and Transonic Truss Braced Wing (TTBW). Multiple wind tunnel, flight, and ground tests were completed to mature technologies that can contribute to reduced weight, reduced drag, and increased aspect ratio. The results from the technical challenge will enable further technology development of any future transonic truss-braced wing concepts.
•A systems-level assessment of HARW technologies was completed in support of TC2.1. The vehicle assessments performed for the Common Research Model (CRM) and TTBW suggest that fuel burn reductions resulting from HARW technology applications are not limited by aspect ratio over the ranges investigated and that the TC2.1 goals are realizable. •For each technical approach concept, the completed milestones and overview of research are documented through 3Q FY 2020. As of 3Q FY20, the HARW research team has generated 196 publications/presentations to share the knowledge gained, and the list of publications are included in the following slides.
•Beginning Technology Readiness Level (TRL) ~2 (different for individual technical approaches), Final TRL 3 (system); TRL 4-5 (individual technical approaches)