Flight control of a spin stabilised axi-symmetric disc-wing

A review of air-vehicles with circular pianform ie disc-wings includes examples of mid-century innovation and recent developments in UAV (unnamed air vehicle) technology. A spin stabilised axi-symmetric disc-wing has potential application as a highly maneuverable. unpowered unmanned air vehicle or guided projectile. This paper considers the means by which aerodynamic control moments can be generated on such a disc-wing. The present experimental investigation outlines the aerodynamics of a spin stabilised axi-symmetric disc-wing and documents the aerodynamic differences of a disc-wing with forced transition strips installed on the disc run. It is proposed that these differences are achievable by a similar active flow control method such as active turbulent strips, vortex generators or synthetic (massless) jets as a means to aerodynamic control of the disc in flight, A simple analysis of disc-wing flight maneuvers predicts the turning radius and time period of a 90° banked turn based on experimental data. © 2001 by J.R. Potts.