Overview

The propulsive wing is a newly developed concept based on both, active flow control and distributed propulsion. The concept is based on integrating a cross flow fan widely used in HVAC applications near the trailing edge of an airfoil section. The flow passing over the airfoil upper surface is drawn by the fan, energized, and then expelled as a jet through the fan housing, offering a great ability for both, lift augmentation and thrust generation. One of the significant advantages is the delay of flow separation even at a high angle of attacks (up to 40). The delay in separation causes a significant increase in lift and provides stall-free operation up to an angle of attacks that were not reachable using the conventional airfoil sections. Moreover, the generated jet has a large wake filling effect which in turn leads to a great reduction in the pressure drag. Such advantages make the propulsive wing a very promising design for UAV applications.