Estimation of Aerodynamic Load on Radome Structure Mounted on Top of a Surveillance Aircraft

Abstract

The design and development of radome external structure, requires aerodynamic forces acting on it and its distribution. This paper discusses the wind tunnel studies carried out for estimating the incremental effects due to the installation of large ellipsoidal radome along with the support structure pylons on the dorsal side of the fuselage. Effect of locations of radome at 36 m and 31.5 m from the nose of the fuselage is discussed. Further using the scan-valve pressure transducer, the pressure distribution on the radome measured at different aerodynamic angles required for the structural design of radome structure is also brought out. Flow visualization study which are useful for qualitative check for the effect of installation of the radome with support structure on the effectiveness of the empennage is attempted.