
CLC number:
On-line Access: 2025-11-24
Received: 2024-11-21
Revision Accepted: 2025-05-09
Crosschecked: 2025-11-25
Cited: 0
Clicked: 892
Citations: Bibtex RefMan EndNote GB/T7714
Xu ZHANG, Binbin YAN, Heng ZHANG, Yunfei ZHANG, Shuangxi LIU, Wei HUANG. Design and aerodynamic performance of a wide-speed-range morphing aircraft with horizontal takeoff[J]. Journal of Zhejiang University Science A, 2025, 26(11): 1099-1113.
@article{title="Design and aerodynamic performance of a wide-speed-range morphing aircraft with horizontal takeoff",
author="Xu ZHANG, Binbin YAN, Heng ZHANG, Yunfei ZHANG, Shuangxi LIU, Wei HUANG",
journal="Journal of Zhejiang University Science A",
volume="26",
number="11",
pages="1099-1113",
year="2025",
publisher="Zhejiang University Press & Springer",
doi="10.1631/jzus.A2400539"
}
%0 Journal Article
%T Design and aerodynamic performance of a wide-speed-range morphing aircraft with horizontal takeoff
%A Xu ZHANG
%A Binbin YAN
%A Heng ZHANG
%A Yunfei ZHANG
%A Shuangxi LIU
%A Wei HUANG
%J Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE A
%V 26
%N 11
%P 1099-1113
%@ 1673-565X
%D 2025
%I Zhejiang University Press & Springer
%DOI 10.1631/jzus.A2400539
TY - JOUR
T1 - Design and aerodynamic performance of a wide-speed-range morphing aircraft with horizontal takeoff
A1 - Xu ZHANG
A1 - Binbin YAN
A1 - Heng ZHANG
A1 - Yunfei ZHANG
A1 - Shuangxi LIU
A1 - Wei HUANG
J0 - Journal of Zhejiang University Science A
VL - 26
IS - 11
SP - 1099
EP - 1113
%@ 1673-565X
Y1 - 2025
PB - Zhejiang University Press & Springer
ER -
DOI - 10.1631/jzus.A2400539
Abstract: A wide-speed aircraft capable of horizontal takeoff possesses advantages of rapid response speed, high maneuverability, improved safety, and suitability for different terrains and applications. In this study, a morphing vehicle design with horizontal takeoff and landing capabilities is presented. The aircraft achieves strong aerodynamic performance at subsonic to hypersonic speeds through a wave-like fuselage and a continuously variable sweep angle between 30° and 60°. First, the configuration of the vehicle and its morphing mechanism are described. Then, through numerical modeling, the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle is investigated over a flight profile progressing from horizontal takeoff to hypersonic cruising. These results indicate that different vehicle configurations might be used for different speed ranges so as to optimize performance. The numerical and flow field data also suggest that the effect of the variable sweep angle on the aerodynamic characteristics is weaker in the hypersonic speed range compared to the subsonic range. Overall, the proposed morphing aircraft has excellent aerodynamic characteristics in the speed range of Mach 0.3 to Mach 7. Moreover, its lift coefficients and lift-to-drag ratios in the subsonic phase ensure that horizontal takeoff and landing can be achieved, and its variable sweep angle effectively extends the flight envelope.
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