| The Stationary High Altitude Relay Platform (SHARP) aircraft is a high-altitude RPV, designed specifically for telecommunications relay. The presence of the microwave rectenna, on the aft section of the fuselage, significantly alters the trim qualities of the aircraft, and hence the typical aerodynamic characteristics. To investigate the optimum aerodynamic location of the disk, in terms of canard trim angles and drag polars, a linearized Extended Vortex Lattice Method was applied to a series of configurations. Verification of the code against experimental data and previous codes is presented. The analysis was performed for variations in c.g. location, disk size and lifting surface separation heights. Trim characteristics of the canard were heavily dependant on the c.g. location and vertical location of the wing. The disk is presented as an inefficient lifting surface, with flow over it severely affected by the downwash induced by the two forward lifting surfaces. The optimum location and size of the disk, within the limitations of the existing SHARP structure, is presented where possible. |
