Afterbody propulsor performance validation for A 2.65 fineness ratio body advanced tactical vehicle

This report presents the results from a low-speed wind tunnel test of a unique low-drag fineness-ratio-2.65 vehicle concept employing integrated boundary layer control and propulsion. The concept is based on the efficient energization of the body's boundary layer by blowing as it enters the strong adverse pressure gradient on a full and blunt afterbody. The boundary layer energization is accomplished with a full-circumferential blowing jet, designed to achieve fully-attached afterbody flow while also providing sufficient thrust to achieve self-propulsion with low installed-power. The analytical methodology for analysis and evaluation of the total concept, as well as the individual components, is presented and compared with wind tunnel test data. Analytical prediction accuracy has been completely validated for both turbulent and laminar vehicle configurations.