Specialists from the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) have developed a promising transonic transport triplane aircraft with an unusual closed aerodynamic configuration. The development will increase flight safety, improve takeoff and landing characteristics, and reduce structural weight.
The main feature of the project is the peculiar "closure" of the aircraft into a single power system. The wingtips connect to the empennage through external fins, forming a rigid spatial structure.
It is proposed to place special rotating aerodynamic surfaces on the external fins. They will be able to control roll, yaw, and braking, as well as redistribute loads along the wing span.
At the same time, the control system receives redundancy. If some control surfaces become unavailable, their functions can be taken over by other elements of the aircraft. According to the developers, this should increase operational safety.
TsAGI expects that the new configuration will allow the creation of more economical and safer transport aircraft. An additional advantage is the improvement of takeoff and landing characteristics with a limited wing span.
