France wants to draw inspiration from advanced technology on the latest generation Russian fighter plane for its own 6th generation model

ONERA and the SUPERMAN project could be inspired by an old Russian technology: LEVCON.

France, via its SUPERMAN program, plans to integrate LEVCON technology, already used on the Su-57, to design its own 6th generation aircraft. This advanced technology could increase the agility and stealth of the future flagship of the French air fleet.

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For the SCAF or the NGF, ONERA is studying the possibility of integrating LEVCONs technology

While discussions between France, Germany and Spain on the Future Air Combat System (FCAS) are still raging, ONERA (French aerospace research center) continues to move forward with Dassault Aviation and Safran on studies that could lead to the future 6th generation French fighter plane (NGF or New Generation Fighter in the language of Shakespeare). The incorporation of LEVCONs (Leading-edge vortex controller) technology is envisaged and could be directly inspired by the functionalities observed on the Russian Su-57.

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What is a LEVCON?

A LEVCON, or Leading Edge Vortex Controller, is an aerodynamic device used primarily on fighter aircraft to improve their maneuverability at large angles of attack. This system consists of small surfaces, usually located on the leading edge of the wings, that can be adjusted to control airflow and maintain aircraft performance during complex maneuvers. By modifying the aerodynamic flow around the wings, LEVCONs create and control air vortices that increase lift and reduce the risk of stalling at low speeds or in aerial combat situations.

Technological advances and testing

The Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) announced that major tests were taking place for the future NGF engine, while ONERA and Dassault Aviation are carrying out the first wind tunnel tests of the future aircraft. The tests focus on advanced technologies, including porous walls to improve the efficiency of air intakes in supersonic conditions. At the same time, a turbulence modeling technique, Zonal Detached Eddy Simulation (ZDES)was developed to optimize these air inlets.

SUPERMAN program and maneuverability tests

As part of the programme SUPERMANfinanced by ONERA, wind tunnel tests in Lille were carried out to experimentally characterize swirling flows. This project also studied the impact of LEVCONs on maneuverability, using a special device to impose rotational movements on the model, making it possible to analyze the behavior of the aircraft at the limits of its flight envelope.

Implications for NGF and FCAS

The integration of LEVCONs and the results of the SUPERMAN program directly influence the design of the NGF within the framework of the FCAS. These innovations will ultimately make it possible to develop a maneuverable and stealthy fighter, meeting the air combat requirements of tomorrow. By leveraging lessons learned from the Su-57 and adapting these technologies to the specific needs of future European fighter jets, designers can optimize both aerodynamic performance and stealth.

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This article reviews the influence of LEVCON on the SUPERMAN program, an influence which could prove decisive on the design of 6th generation tailless combat aircraft, considerably improving maneuverability while maintaining the advantages of stealth.

Source: ONERA

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