Russian analysts have conducted windtunnel tests on an overwing-engine aircraft design which is intended to reduce noise.
The Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute says the short-haul aircraft model features a shallow-swept laminar-flow wing to cut drag.
It adds that the design includes the “distinguishing” characteristic of engines located above the wing, mounted over the trailing edge, while the model also has a low-set horizontal stabiliser.
“This option is governed by a desire to reduce noise from airborne aircraft in the areas next to airports,” says the institute.
“It also allow for installation of more economical engines, with increased diameter.”
The institute adds that the overwing mounting also lowers the risk of debris ingestion.
Overwing jet engines have been previously featured on aircraft designs such as the VFW 614 – which failed to gain success as a short-haul airliner – and more recently the Honda Aircraft HA-420 HondaJet.
The institute says it has carried out transonic windtunnel tests with an improved model of an original design it had examined in 2015. These improvement include adjustment of the wing geometry to account for the laminar-flow requirements.
Tests on the design in April have “confirmed the calculated predictions” of researchers, says the institute, stating the “aerodynamic quality” of the aircraft design has improved at airspeeds of M0.78.
Analysts at the Moscow-based institute are set to explore the acoustic characteristics of the proposed aircraft as well as its structural strength.
