Comparison of Aerodynamic Methods for the Computation of Control Surface Loads

Abstract: This paper presents loads computations for the generic UCAV configuration F19, originally devised by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Different aerodynamic methods are investigated and their effect on concentrated structural loads is assessed. Design manoeuvres are defined based on the manoeuvre authority. Inertia loads are considered for a preliminary mass breakdown provided by DLR. The loads analysis process is performed both with the DLR and the Airbus Defence and Space (AD&S) aerodynamic data sets. Finally, total loads are generated and the effect of the different underlying aerodynamic methods analysed.