This paper examines the relative efficiency of canard, tandem, and aft-tailed aircraft configurations through analysis of an elementary lifting system. Stability and trim requirements are imposed upon the system and its C sub L(max), drag, and structural weight are studied as its geometry varies over a wide range of possible configurations. During the course of the analysis, two general solutions emerge for minimum induced drag as a function of the geometry and the division of lift between the surfaces of such a system - one for fixed span and the other for fixed weight. The conclusion is that the pre-eminence of the conventional aft-tailed configuration has a sound fundamental basis, but that there may be some room for improvement.


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    Title :

    A fundamental comparison of canard and conventional configurations


    Contributors:
    Mcgeer, T. (author) / Kroo, I. (author)

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1983-11-01



    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English