Supersonic Plasma Flows and their Influence on Aerodynamics of Flight

Different types of gas discharges were considered from the point of view of plasma technique applications for aerodynamic problem solutions. They are: the longitudinal one (when electric current j is parallel to airflow's velocity v) and the transverse one (when electric current j is perpendicular to v) stationary discharges, high frequency discharges, microwave and optical discharges. Generation of gas discharges directly before an airplane or on its surface could be the possible means of plasma affect the supersonic airflow. It could lead to the substantial improvement of its aerodynamic characteristics, and particularly to a considerable decrease of the head drag coefficient. (author)