A high energy laser system inflicts damage on a target by
radiating large amounts of thermal energy onto a small area.
Airflow about the laser turret, which is located on top of the
aircraft fuselage, is unsteady and causes problems in beam
control. The problems are jitter, which is vibration of the
laser beam, and optical path distortions.
The theory of flow around a cylinder and around a sphere
was examined, and several airflow control techniques were
screened in an effort to suppress the unsteadiness of the
flow. A fairing and turret base suction apparatus was selected
and experimentally tested in a wind tunnel.
During the course of the experiments several parameters
were varied as follows: blower flow rate, spacing between
turret and fairing nosepiece, and flow rate in five separate
ducts. Results of the tests indicate that the fairing and base
suction technique eliminates the unsteadiness. Further
research and testing are required to develop the technique
for actual use on aircraft.

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