Analysing the “Northrop Grumman B2 spirit” aircraft’s operational and design aspects in order to ascertain the issues related to flying wing concept in implementing as a commercial airliner

Abstract

The ?flying wing concept? is a phenomenal innovation in the aviation industry which has revolutionized the preliminary perceptions of the subject. However the rapid industrial expansion of the same is restricted partially due to several aerodynamic complications such as maneuverability and stability when compared to the contemporary airframe designs. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the design characteristics of the subject and focuses on ascertaining the possible enhancements for the available design. The renowned heavy bomber B2 aircraft has been selected as the prototype for a full design analysis in implementing as a commercial airliner. The main objectives of the research would be to assess the complications of the flying wing concept which are related to the characteristics and the overall aerodynamics of the aircraft. The main focus of this research is to highlight the above issues and to suggest methods of overcoming those with experimental implementations and modifications. As this is a complex profile it is highly preferable to commence with a design comparison over hand of the analysis. This comparison is done respectively with the most commonly airborne civil aircraft Airbus A320. Further a scaled down model of the aircraft is expected to be physically evaluated at the educational wind tunnel at subsonic spectrum. As the aircraft is of tailless type, most of the control surfaces have been left for further research and B2 aircraft being a full wing aircraft, every implementation or modification should be executed without disturbing the structural integrity as well. Further, each enhancement done is focused on minimum complexity and is done with caution for not affecting the stability of the aircraft. With full design being analyzed the expectation is to go beyond the present conditions and to enhance the aerodynamic stability and the maneuverability while enhancing the overall performance of the flying wing concept.