Unconstrained Supersonic Cruise and Maneuvering Configuration Concepts

Configuration concepts are presented which have high lift-to-drag ratios and maneuverability achievable by relieving constraints due to carriage, propulsion and subsystem integration. Noncircular body, lifting body, blended wing-body, wing-body and favorable interference concepts are developed using aerodynamic design criteria derived for climb-cruise-intercept missions. The Hypersonic Arbitrary Body Program (HABP) is evaluated for predicting aerodynamic characteristics. Comparisons of wind tunnel data and predictions are presented. Major features such as a spatular nose, flat bottom, high fineness ratio, ramped nose, planar shape, high wing, end plated wing, and interference channel are shown to enhance aerodynamic characteristics. (Author)