A Review Paper on Fluidics Thrust Vectoring Control used in Aircraft

Abstract

Thrust vectoring of aircraft is emerging as a key technology for current and future air vehicles. Thrust vector control (TVC) systems tend to be progressively implemented in modern aircraft and missiles to improve the slow pitch over and limited maneuverability of the aerodynamic control system. Effectiveness is increased with the addition of thrust vectoring capability to the aircrafts propulsion system. This provides a tactical advantage by increasing aircraft agility and maneuverability. The ability to land and take off from short unimproved runways (STOL) is also improved with Thrust Vectoring. It is used to reduce signature and increases range in long-range combats. In all flight conditions, control effectiveness can be achieved with thrust vectoring, which thereby reduces the need for horizontal and vertical tails and hence reduces associated drag and radar cross-section.

 Mechanical methods of thrust vectoring used to deflect the flow typically had moving parts like hinged flaps, actuators, linkages, etc. which added weight and complexity to aircraft. t also increased cost and maintenance requirement. This problem led research to find out a novel method for thrust vectoring i.e. fluidic thrust vectoring- which uses a secondary air stream to direct the behavior of primary jet. A fluidic thru t vectoring system has the advantage of reducing weight, drag, and radar cross-section, all of which can extend an aircraft’s range and capabilities and can be potentially implemented with minimal aircraft observability penalty. This paper overviews re earch undertaken to develop and demon trate fluidic thru t vectoring technology with the objective of developing the y tems.