TsAGI aerodynamicists test a model of a lightweight convertible airplane

In July, specialists of the Zhukovsky Central AeroHydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI, a member of the National Research Center “Institute named after N.E.Zhukovsky”) completed another testing cycle of a lightweight convertible airplane (LCA). The work was carried out in TsAGI’s wind tunnel T-102 as part of a government contract with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.

The lightweight convertible aircraft is designed to transport 50 passengers or 6 tons of cargo on local and regional lines with a cruising speed of 480 km/h. A distinctive feature of the project is the possibility of utilizing the LCA both for passenger and for transport of goods without changing the design.

The experimental research was carried out in two stages: first to identify aerodynamic characteristics of the LCA’s isolated fuselage at climb mode and crosswind; and to study the distinctive aerodynamic characteristics of the propeller design.

The next step will be tests with a propulsion simulator of the LCA with running propellers, including the failure of one engine. Examining the characteristics of the complete layout and its individual elements, scientists will make conclusions about the impact of interference on the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft. TsAGI specialists noted that the current work showed a high level of aerodynamic characteristics of a prospective aircraft in a wide range of angles of attack and sliding