Northrop to design supersonic oblique flying wing

http://www.avpress.com/n/26/0326_s7.hts ^ | March 26, 2006 | ALLISON GATLIN

[BenLurkin]

Northrop Grumman Corp. will design a supersonic experimental aircraft that employs a wing that varies position for most efficient flight performance under a $10.3 million contract from the Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

The oblique flying wing program aims to design and conduct the first-ever flight tests of a tailless, supersonic, variable sweep oblique flying wing...

In an oblique wing aircraft, one wing of the aircraft is swept forward and the other backward in an asymetrical configuration, which varies with flight speed.

The wing, also known as a "scissors wing," pivots over a center point, shifting angle as the speed increases and decreases. Positioning the wing straight across the fuselage is used for the low speeds of takeoffs and landings, with the wing pivoting as speed increases.

"The oblique flying wing as a theoretical concept has been considered for many years. ... But no one has yet demonstrated a supersonic oblique flying wing in flight - DARPA intends to do just that," said Thomas Beutner, program manager for the Oblique Flying Wing program in DARPA's Tactical Technology Office.

The DARPA contract covers the first of two possible phases in the program, a 20-month effort in which the company will conduct a preliminary design effort, developing the technologies necessary for an experimental vehicle.

Should the first phase prove successful, it may be followed by a second phase in which an actual aircraft would be built and flight tested. The first flight of this anticipated X-plane would be in the 2010 to 2011 time frame, according to DARPA.

"What we envision is an X-plane program. Like the X-1 or the X-29, the oblique flying wing program will be a technology demonstrator that explores a concept that can only be proven in flight," said Beutner.

[ChadGore]

Something like this?

[ChadGore]

[Kirkwood]

[RightWhale]

But no one has yet demonstrated a supersonic oblique flying wing in flight

Maybe the difference is the supersonic part.

[ChadGore]

Re: Maybe the difference is the supersonic part.

I would have to agree. I wonder what this does for the bow shock flow over the body of the aircraft.

[idkfa]

Northrop responds to US Switchblade challenge NORTHROP GRUMMAN 270905 Northrop Grumman is to compete for Phase 1 of the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Switchblade programme to design a subscale unmanned demonstrator for a 2020-timeframe stealthy, supersonic oblique flying-wing reconnaissance aircraft bomber. Northrop says the programme is in line with previous studies it has performed into various configurations for a future long-range strike aircraft. Northrop has experience with the flight-control challenges of a tailless unstable flying wing, having designed the B-2. Phase 1 contracts will be awarded this year. If the programme proceeds, the X-plane demonstrator could fly in 2010.

[Servant of the 9]

Something like this?

Yes, but zoomier.

So9

[Captain Rhino]

Think so, but it will be interesting to see what types of aircraft it is adopted to. Unless it offers unbeliveable advantages in performance, I think the fighter community will down it because it lacks the necessary "coolness" factor. Oops, I forgot...the next generation of fighters is supposed to be pilotless. (Not holding my breath for that development to occur.)

[Servant of the 9]

Re: Maybe the difference is the supersonic part.

I would have to agree. I wonder what this does for the bow shock flow over the body of the aircraft.

I thought so at first too, but 'flying wing' may be the important part. There will be no bow shock.

So9

[wildbill]

I think it was Northrup that designed the original flying wing back during WWII or shortly thereafter. They built a flying prototype but the Air Force cut off further funding.

[arthurus]

Popular Science was touting this thing some years ago - the idea that a "flying wing" would mitigate its instability problems by flying with one side forward of the other.

[UnklGene]

[calcowgirl]

They built quite a few XB-35s for the AF and there was also the YB-49 that got cancelled when Jack Northrop refused Air Force Secretary Stuart Symington's demand that he merge his company with Convair. The Air Force ordered all produced aircraft destroyed. Here's some XB-35s.

[JRandomFreeper]

DARPA. 'Hold my bio-engineered brain-enhancing drink and watch this!'

And they almost always live. Gotta love the brainiacs in charge....

They make miracles like chickens lay eggs..

/johnny

[endthematrix]

Flying Wing

BUMP!

[UnklGene]

Ben, here's a 1943 pilot trainer for the B-35. It's model number N9-MB. They rebuilt this model in 1980 near Northrop's B-2 factory in Pico Rivera. Now it's parked at the Chino Air Museum.

[Rev DMV]

Never heard or seen that before, interesting.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

One major advantage is there's no sonic boom when the aircraft passes the sound barrier.