TsAGI Tests Oval Fuselages for New Airliners

The TsAGI Scientific-Technical Center presented the results of research on promising aerodynamic layouts for mainline aircraft of unconventional designs. The report, prepared by Evgeny Pigusov with the participation of co-author Alexander Krutov, describes in detail the experience of using a special combined aerodynamic model, which allows comparative testing of three fundamentally different aircraft architectures under uniform conditions.

The model includes three options: a classic layout with a round fuselage and two experimental ones — with oval fuselages. One of the alternative options is equipped with a low-wing, the second — a mid-wing with an integral leading-edge extension connecting the wing consoles and the fuselage. This design aims to improve aerodynamic quality and improve lift characteristics at low speeds, which can reduce the length of the runway required for operation.

Oval fuselages, in addition to aerodynamic advantages, offer more efficient use of internal volume: passenger capacity increases, comfort in the cabin increases, and the cargo compartment on the lower deck expands. This can reduce specific fuel consumption and increase the economic efficiency of flights.

However, unlike the classic scheme, repeatedly confirmed in operation, the new layouts have not yet been sufficiently studied. TsAGI emphasizes the need to continue comprehensive research to assess their stability, controllability and other key parameters.

The data obtained during the tests of the combined model in wind tunnels have already formed the basis for choosing the most promising direction for further development.

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