Abstract. Studies conducted between 2018 and 2021 as part of the Aeronet roadmap under the National Technology Initiative revealed a demand for a transport aircraft capable of operating on confined sites without prior preparation, featuring short or vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), and performing horizontal flight in the manner of a conventional airplane. A promising concept involves the use of a load-bearing fuselage composed of specialized propulsive (thrust-generating) airfoils, which–due to their geometry–feature considerable structural depth. This allows for convenient internal placement of cargo containers or a passenger cabin. The application of propulsive fuselage principles enables the development of nearly silent aircraft, as the velocity of the fan-driven jet, expelled for instance through the wing’s trailing edge, can be kept low. The article reviews developments in high-lift and thrust-generating airfoils designed for low-speed aircraft, airships, and transonic vehicles. It traces the evolution of the idea of using aerodynamic surfaces to generate thrust and provides an overview of current research in the field.

Keywords: aerodynamic profile, active flow control methods, high-bearing profile, laminarization, air extraction from the surface, boundary layer, propulsive aerodynamics, propulsating profile

For citation: Bulat P. V., Dudnikov S. Yu., Prodan N. V., Chernyshov P. S. History of propulsive aerodynamic surface research. Aerospace Engineering and Technology. 2025. Vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 13–47. DOI 10.52467/2949-401X-2025-3-1-13-47. EDN CCKARN (In Russian)