Integration of an increasing-fidelity aerodynamic modelling approach in the conceptual design of hypersonic cruiser

This paper deals with the integration of an increasing-fidelity aerodynamic modelling approach in the conceptual design of hypersonic cruiser. At this purpose, a dedicated methodology has been developed in the framework of the H2020 STRATOFLY project and applied to the STRATOFLY MR3, the Mach 8 waverider reference configuration. Considering the complexity of the concept to be analyzed at conceptual/preliminary design stage, a build-up approach has been adopted, incrementally increasing the complexity of the aerodynamic model, from the clean external configuration up to the complete configuration, including Propulsion Systems Elements and Flight Control Surfaces. In parallel to the aerodynamic analysis, detailed Mission Analyses are performed at each step, benefitting of the incremental versions of the Aerodynamic Database which are used as input. The application of the entire methodology to the reference case-study, allows to estimate design margins to be used at the different steps, to avoid unsolicited under/over-estimations of fuel mass and ranges.