Aerodynamics analysis for X-33 analog lifting body transporter

The aerodynamic configuration conceptual design, controllability and stability of a lifting body transporter are investigated. A X33 analog lifting body transporter configuration is proposed via biconic cross section design method, exponential function longitudinal control and spline lofting design process. The main body is optimized, the control surfaces, include tail and rudders, canted fin and ailerons, bodyflap and elevons, are designed and matched, and the aerodynamic characteristics, longitudinal and lateral control stability and the control efficiency are studied. The detail research indicated that the proposed lifting body transporter has a relative high hypersonic lift to drag ratio, big volume utility ratio and maneuver control efficiency. The transporter is directional unstable but longitudinal and lateral static stable at medium angle of attack. To steer the vehicle directionally, rudders within medium AOA and ailerons at high AOA are suggested, and the roll movement induced by rudders and ailerons can be controlled by elevons differential deflection. The present work focus on the conceptual design method, the proposed X33 analog lifting body is one of the feasible transporter choices.