Image to right: Wing trailing edge design concepts for Boeing's new 787 aircraft were tested on a 5.2 percent scale 777 semi-span model inside NASA Langley's National Transonic Facility. Credit: NASA

The National Transonic Facility (NTF) at NASA Langley Research Center was the site for tests by the Boeing Company to evaluate high-lift system designs for its new 787 jet aircraft. High-lift systems include the flaps and slats used to increase the lift performance of the wing, allowing the airplane to take off and land safely and efficiently.

Boeing made use of the wind tunnel's unique capabilities, which include using super-cold nitrogen gas at high pressure to duplicate true flight aerodynamics. Unlike conventional wind tunnels, the NTF can also adjust the characteristics of the airflow to match the size of the model, which makes it possible for developers to use smaller scale models.

To test the high-lift concepts, Boeing developers designed new 787-style trailing edge flaps and fit them to an existing 5.2 percent scale 777 semi-span model. The stainless steel model, which looks like one-half of an airplane cut down the middle from nose to tail, was mounted on the sidewall of the wind tunnel.

Even small improvements in performance of a high-lift system can significantly improve the take-off field length, weight carrying capability, and range of a transport aircraft. The improvements can also help reduce aircraft noise