The Flying-V, a novel aircraft design developed at Delft University of Technology, presents a revolutionary flying wing transport aircraft with a remarkable 20% reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional twin-aisle planes.
This thesis project delves into the study of optimizing the Flying-V's landing performance, emphasizing the necessity of reducing pitch attitude. High-lift devices, particularly split flaps, were explored for this purpose. Wind tunnel tests were carried out on a scaled-down model of the half- wing, in the Open Jet Facility of TU Delft. The tests yielded two successful flap configurations— a single-flap and a double-flap.
These were analyzed further using a flight performance tool to make a final selection on the flap configuration. The single-flap option proved effective in reducing landing pitch attitude by 3 degrees, significantly lowering obscured segment by 20 to 30 m and the pilot's eye altitude by 1 m. This is a quite desirable outcome for the landing performance of the Flying-V which significantly improves pilot’s vision.