Applications of active flow control technologies in low aspect ratio flying wing UAV aerodynamic design

The low aspect ratio(AR) flying wing is proved to have smaller Radar Cross Section and better maneuverability than other Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles(UCAV) layouts, becoming a promising UCAV layout. This paper simulates low AR flying wing's flow characteristics using CFD, reviews the active flow control(AFC) technologies. Based on the flow characteristics of the low AR flying wing, this paper analyzes the mechanism of the active flow control technologies affecting the leading edge vortices, and indicates the future development direction of the active control technology in the field of low AR flying wing UCAV.