Oblique Flying Wing (OFW)

Program Manager: Dr. Thomas Beutner

OFW X-Plane accelerating to Mach 1.2 and sweeping to 65 degrees (15 MB animation)

Overview

An Oblique Flying Wing (OFW) aircraft is an asymmetric flying wing that can vary its wing sweep in flight with increasing speed to optimize aerodynamic performance.  The variable sweep is achieved asymmetrically on the oblique wing, with one end of the wing swept forward and the other swept aft.  An operational supersonic, variable sweep oblique flying wing holds the promise of being very efficient in both high speed cruise and long endurance low speed loiter.  Possible applications that would take advantage of the unprecedented combination of high and low speed performance include: penetrating intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; long range strike; hunter/killer; and multi-mission aircraft.  A supersonic aircraft capable of long loiter times would have a revolutionary impact on the battlefield, necessitating fewer combat aircraft and fewer tankers to accomplish mission objectives.  The goal of the OFW program is to expand the design space for future aircraft concepts, particularly for those missions that demand both supersonic speed and long endurance.  The potential for a unique combination of excellent high speed and low speed performance would enable rapid deployment and long loiter time, for example, in surveillance or combat air patrol (CAP) roles.  The OFW program will integrate technologies such as advanced controls to develop and fly a small-scale supersonic technology demonstrator X-Plane.  The program will also identify key design requirements for the objective system, allowing the Services to evaluate the technology for implementation in future operational systems. 

Last Updated: 02/18/08