Russian Scientists Advance in Low Noise Aircraft Research

Scientists at Russia’s Zhukovsky Central AeroHydrodynamic Institute TsAGI have advanced to the second stage of their study that aims at developing a low-noise short-range aircraft.

“TsAGI has completed the second stage of research of a semi-model of the low-noise plane. The aircraft is distinguished by a slightly swept wing which provides for laminar flow. The engines are located over the back edge of the wing. The design provides three advantages- it decreases resistance, screens the noise by the wing and protects engines from foreign objects during takeoff and landing,” Anatoly Bolsunovsky, a top ranking official at TsAGI was quoted as saying by Russian government-owned Zvezda on March 4.

First stage of research was concluded in December 2019.

“Balancing all the pros and cons is not an easy task, we still have a lot to work on,” he added.

TsAGI has previously tested full models in a wind tunnel, but decided to produce a semi-model to add reliability to research.

Besides weight tests, the institute measured pressure distribution in wing stations and conducted research with heat imagers. The tests confirmed the presence of long laminar sections on the top surface of the wing and the decrease in resistance by 5-6 percent. It means the aircraft will consume less fuel. The next stage of tests is scheduled for August 2020.