Enhancing naval aviation safety: a numerical study of superstructure modifications and airwake control in the NATO-GD model

Abstract Ship airwakes, or turbulent airflows produced by the ship’s superstructure, introduce significant challenges to helicopter operations on naval ships. The landing deck may experience unstable aerodynamic conditions because of these airwakes, reducing operational safety. In this study, passive flow control methods were developed to reduce the impact of airwakes on the landing deck. Their effectiveness was evaluated using numerical simulations. Turbulence energy, recirculation zones, and reattachment lengths were the main subjects of the study. The aerodynamic performance of two distinct modifications at the hangar’s rear edges was evaluated using a 1/50 scale model of the NATO-GD. It was found that these modifications improved flow stability, with reattachment length and recirculation zones reduced by up to 79%. However, the hangar volume decreased slightly, as Modification B with the largest fillet radius achieved the greatest reduction in recirculation zones. Its aerodynamic effectiveness varied with wind-over-deck speed, with the modifications exhibiting enhanced aerodynamic behaviour at higher tested wind-over-deck speeds, highlighting the effectiveness of passive design changes in improving helicopter safety on naval vessels.