An investigation of streamwise body-fin gaps as a means of alleviating the adverse plume effects on missile longitudinal stability

Transonic wind tunnel tests were conducted on a body of revolution with various fin configurations to investigate jet plume effects on missile longitudinal stability. The sting-mounted model utilized a series of cold air normal jets located downstream of the base to simulate the jet plume. Fins of various planform geometry were tested in three longitudinal positions. Present report compares one fin planform with and without a 5 percent body diameter gap. Gap results in a small reduction of adverse plume effects for fins in aft position. Data for this investigation were obtained from Calspan test CAL T17-123.