Results from Cal Poly's recent wind tunnel test, during the Winter of 2011-2012, in the 40- by 80-foot test section at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC) at NASA Ames Research Center are presented. AMELIA, the Advanced Model for Extreme Lift and Improved Aeroacoustics, is the first full-span, cruise efficient, short take-off and landing (CESTOL) model incorporating leading- and trailing-edge blowing wing circulation control and over-the-wing mounted turbine propulsion simulators (TPS) to date. Testing of the 10 foot span model proved successful and was the result of a 5 year NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Program Research Announcement. The test generated extensive low-speed experimental aerodynamic and acoustic measurements. All of the results associated with Cal Poly's effort will be available in an open-source validation database with the goal of advancing the state-of-the-art in prediction capabilities for modeling aircraft with next generation technologies, focusing on NASA's N+2 generation goals. The model's modular design allowed for testing of 4 major configurations. Results from all configurations are presented. Out of a total of 292 data runs, 14 repeat run configurations were obtained. Overall repeatability of test data are good. Factors contributing to non-repeatability in the test data were assessed and showed high pressure air line temperature to be a primary factor. Test data shows drastic improvements in performance are obtained when incorporating leading edge blowing: wing stall can be delayed to more than 25 degrees angle-of-attack at lift coefficients exceeding six. Without the introduction of leading edge blowing to increase boundary layer momentum and maintain flow attachment around the leading edge, STOL performance suffers. Similar runs for isolated trailing edge blowing show a reduction in maximum lift coefficient to three with stall occurring at zero angle-of-attack. Testing at two engine pylon heights allowed for the highly coupled propulsion and flow control system to be characterized.

This research programme explores, theoretically and experimentally, a new liftsystem for Vertical/Short Take-off and Landing (V/STOL) Aircraft. It is based upon an annular wing wrapped around a centrifugal flow generator, potentially creating a vehicle with no external moving parts, reduced vehicle aerodynamic losses compared to previous V/STOL technologies and substantially eliminating induced drag. It is shown that such a wing works best with a thick aerofoil section, and appears to offer greatest potential at a micro-aerial vehicle scale with regard to fundamental performance parameter “lift to weight ratio”. Certain efficiency losses are encountered mainly occurring from annular flow expansion and problems with achieving acceptable blower slot heights. Experimental methods are described along with results, and a comparison shows that the experimental values remain below theoretical values, partly due to flow asymmetry but possibly also other factors. Symmetrical blowing, as initially hypothesised, was found to be impracticable; this suggested use of pure upper surface blowing with Coanda effect. The modified approach was further explored and proved viable. The ultimate goal of this work was to develop an understanding and the facility to integrate the annular-wing into a vehicle to achieve controlled powered flight. To serve the purpose, issues encountered on current and past V/STOL aircraft are being investigated to set a path for further research/development and to validate/justify the design of future V/STOL aircraft. Also, presented is a feasibility study where different physical scales and propulsion systems are considered, and a turbofan has shown to achieve the best performance in terms of Range and Endurance. This privilege allows one to accurately study the V/STOL technologies around.