4 ms·
It says it reduces complexity, but does it? You still need the compressed air systems and and the control systems needed to inject exactly the right amount of a
by Eddy_Viscosity2 3y ago
It says it reduces complexity, but does it? You still need the compressed air systems and and the control systems needed to inject exactly the right amount of air in the right places for the right amount of time. Sounds complex to me.
- Tuna-Fish 3y agoSome kinds of complexity are more fragile and easier to maintain than others. Active flow control systems benefit from the fact that any individual valve has very little effect on the flight characteristics of the aircraft, making achieving high redundancy much easier. Also, the moving parts will be much smaller, and so easier to replace and maintain.
- 4gotunameagain 3y agoKeep in mind that traditional control surfaces need the complex hydraulic systems that already do something similar, so if there are other benefits to be gained (efficiency, post stall manoeuvrability) by the lack of the movable flap, it seems well worth a try.