Canard Enhancement with Gurney Flaps

This report provides an initial exploration of the effectiveness of Gurney flaps in improving canard performance on guided munitions. It is shown that the canards with Gurney flaps have both aerodynamic and physical advantages over a baseline NACA-0015 airfoil. Initial aerodynamic testing indicates the Gurney flap canards exhibit improved stall characteristics over the baseline canard, with a 50 increase in lift. The Gurney flaps also reinforce the delicate airfoil trailing edge, thereby reducing the likelihood of physical damage during handling and assembly of the munition.