Longitudinal Wind Tunnel Tests of the PROSIB 19-Pax Airplane

Abstract

This research paper delves into the longitudinal wind tunnel tests conducted on the 19-passengers aircraft model of the Italian PROSIB project. The concept is an innovative small air transport airplane with distributed propellers and hybrid-electric powerplant. The primary objective was to assess its stability and control characteristics in power-off conditions. In addition to the usual investigation of the aircraft components, the study introduced a belly-mounted pod, which served as a battery storage unit, and explored two distinct tail configurations: a body-mounted (low) tail and a T-tail (high). The results obtained from these tests generally confirmed the anticipated characteristics of the aircraft design. The experiments provided data on aerodynamic forces and moments, giving useful indications on the effects of a belly-mounted battery storage unit and tail layout on the aircraft stability and control characteristics. This information could be used by aircraft designers to size an airplane of the same class.

Keywords

• experimental aerodynamics
• wind tunnel testing
• stability and control
• downwash