Control characteristics analysis of drag yawing control devices of flying wing configuration

Flying wing configuration eliminates conventional vertical tail and rudder, thus existing severe problem on yawing control. To make the configuration into practical use, it is necessary to gain an extensive understanding on the collocation features and control characteristics of yawing control devices. The current research and mechanical features of the two different kinds of yawing control devices, split drag rudder and upper surface spoiler, which are most commonly used on flying wing configuration, were introduced. Using numerical calculation, the yawing control characteristics, three-axis control coupling effect, and influencing regularities on aerodynamic and stability were analyzed. Meanwhile, the common points and differentials on aspect of control characteristics were compared. The conclusions can help to solve the yawing control problem for the flying wing configuration, and help to provide basis on engineering application for the drag yawing control devices.