AFTI/F-111 Performance Flight Test Summary

The AFTI/F-111 Mission Adaptive Wing (MAW) incorporates a smooth variable contour wing system in order to maintain optimum camber throughout all flight regimes. The aircraft has completed its initial phase of flight testing at Edwards AFB CA. The purpose of this paper is to briefly summarize the aerodynamic and performance results.

Comparisons of MAW flight test data are made against full-scale wind tunnel predictions and flight test data from a fixed camber wing of similar geometry. Wing pressure plots are presented to show the effectiveness of both the supercritical and the variable camber airfoils. Point performance plots show improvements in aerodynamic efficiency and maneuverability. Turn performance gains of as much as 38% are attainable. Range improvements of 25% are shown for a high altitude supersonic combat mission.

The AFTI/F-111 is demonstrating aerodynamic improvements achieved by using a smooth variable contour wing system. This paper documents these improvements and projects the resulting benefits to an aircraft in an operational environment.