Analysis of spread multi-jet VTOL aircraft in hover

Abstract

An investigation of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft lift losses in hover was conducted to evaluate a method for a simplified test technique. Three flat plate models were tested to determine their usefulness in predicting hover characteristics by comparing results between plate and three-dimensional models. Data obtained for the plate models were correlated to three-dimensional results by the application of a geometrical equivalent height correction factor. The correlation of plate and tunnel models indicated that lift losses in ground effect were essentially independent of the efflux characteristics for the engine simulators.