CONFIGURATION OPTIMIZATION OF A 13-METER-SPAN SPORT SAILPLANE

Abstract

A computerized performance analysis was used in conjunction with a parameter sweep technique to arrive at an optimum configuration for a 13-meter-span sailplane. This optimization was directed toward an aircraft which would exhibit superior low-speed perfomance, safe flying characteristics, and simple construction. The investigation of many combinations of wing area, taper ratio, and twist indicated that an untwisied wing with 100 sq ft of area and a taper ratio of 2.5 was a very good compromise for superior performance in both wings-leve1 and turning flight. Further investigation of off optimum configurations led to the proposal of a twisted, untapered planform whicnh yielded performance within one percent of the optimum tapered wing while retaining the advantages of simplified construction and better lowspeed handling.