Numerical and experimental investigation into the aerodynamic benefits of rotorcraft formation flight

The use of formation flight to achieve aerodynamic benefit applied to rotorcraft has, unlike its fixed-wing counterpart, received little attention in the literature. This document presents a proof-of-concept of rotorcraft formation flight from two independent investigations: a numerical study of a fully articulated helicopter influenced by an...

Numerical and experimental investigation into the aerodynamic benefits of rotorcraft formation flight

The use of formation flight to achieve aerodynamic benefit as applied to rotorcraft is, unlike its fixed-wing counterpart, an unproven principle. This document presents a proof-of-concept of rotorcraft formation flight through a numerical research study, supported by results from an independent wind-tunnel experiment. In both cases, two...