BAE Systems’ Dr Matthew Forster explains why the company’s experimental unmanned aircraft Magma is such an exciting project

From a small airfield in north-west Wales, an unusual drone recently took to the skies: an experimental unmanned aircraft controlled uniquely by blasts of air.

Engineers hope one day to do away with conventional mechanics – traditional hinged flaps and trailing wings – and transform aircraft design to make way for such “flapless” flight.

With no hinge lines or large moving surfaces, a plane is less likely to be detected by radar Dr Matthew Forster, BAE Systems, The University of Manchester

This is Magma, an unmanned aircraft, which – if successful – could lead to stealthier military or even commercial aircraft, says Dr Matthew Forster, a university researcher who joined BAE Systems’ computational department last year. “From a military point of view, this low observability is very useful. When there are no hinge lines or large moving surfaces, a plane is less likely to be detected by radar.”

Fewer moving parts also mean the craft is lighter and there’s less to go wrong, he says. “You can also reduce complexity and maintenance.”

Dr Forster’s interest in this area ignited when he was studying for a master’s in computational fluid dynamics at Cranfield University.

A BAE Systems scientist working on flow-control technologies came to talk to his class, and inspired him to complete a related PhD at the University of Liverpool, sponsored by BAE. Today, Dr Forster is part of a group that develops aerodynamic software for simulations.

How it works

The Magma aircraft takes advantage of the “Coandă effect”, where a fluid jet will tend to “stick” to a curved surface – you see this when a water stream flows over and bends around a spoon, for instance, or when a ping pong ball is seemingly stuck in an airstream in mid-air.

Two separate methods are used to steer the craft: wing circulation control takes air from a jet engine and blows it at supersonic speeds over the trailing edge of the wing; and another system – fluidic thrust vectoring – uses jets of air to deflect the engine exhaust, which can make the drone change course.

Solid grounding: Dr Matthew Forster studied for a master’s in computational fluid dynamics

This technology is a further development of that used on a previous “flapless flight” programme, using the Demon demonstrator aircraft to take the world’s first “flapless” flight, informing much of the latest research. Magma is the first time this technology has been deployed on a supersonic jet.

These physical trials are only possible after researchers have used software to simulate flight and model how the drones will behave. A physical model is then tested in a wind tunnel before researchers build a flight-worthy prototype. “Now it’s actually been flown and tested,” says Dr Forster.

In full flow

Ultimately these technologies – the fruit of collaboration with the University of Manchester – will help engineers develop cheaper, higher-performance military aircraft. Further trials are planned for the coming months with the ultimate aim of creating an aircraft that can fly without using any moving surfaces at all.

Innovative engineering: the Magma drone takes advantage of the “Coandă effect”

This technology is perhaps 10 years away from being fully deployed, say researchers. “These trials are an important step forward in our efforts to explore adaptable airframes,” says Dr Bill Crowther, a senior academic and leader of the Magma project at the University of Manchester. “What we are seeking to do through this programme is truly ground-breaking.”

What we are seeking to do through this programme is truly ground-breaking Dr Bill Crowther, Magma project lead

In 2016, BAE Systems spent £1 billion on research and development, including £10.7 million partnering with leading UK universities.

As for Dr Forster, he is keen to remain in the field of flow control. “It has great potential – this kind of aerodynamics can be applied to ships, to cars and other areas. It’s such a wide-ranging field,” he says.