Supersonic Bi-Directional Flying Wing (SBiDir-FW) - 2013
The Supersonic Bi-Directional Flying Wing (SBiDir-FW) is a revolutionary conceptual design that offers exciting and attainable solutions to many of the problems encountered with traditional oblique wing designs. Lead by aerospace engineer Ge-Chang Zha and his team from the University of Miami, in collaboration with Florida State University, this innovative design is already receiving acclaim in the scientific community — piquing the interest of NASA and receiving $100,000 in dedicated funding to assist in making this futuristic concept a reality.
The Flying Wing design proposes symmetry about both axes and will rotate 90˚ between supersonic and subsonic modes respectively; the result will not only be superior aerodynamic stability in both modes, but also an increase in performance that occurs regardless of the speed at which the plane is traveling. Additionally, because of its superior design, the SBiDir Flying Wing has the ability to reach supersonic speeds without the thunderclap produced by a sonic boom. By removing the thunderclap (a factor that previously limited the flight zones of supersonic planes) this environmentally friendly, economically viable, and fuel-efficient airplane is poised to shape the future of civilian and military transport by promising supersonic flight as the standard for air travel.