  A problem of great concern in aviation and submarine propulsion is the
control of the boundary layer and, in particular, the methods to extend the
laminar region as a means to decrease noise and fuel consumption. In this paper
we study the flow of air along an airfoil when a layer of ionized gas and a
longitudinal electric field are created in the boundary layer region. By
deriving scaling solutions and more accurate numerical solutions we discuss the
possibility of achieving significant boundary layer control for realistic
physical parameters. Practical design formulas and criteria are obtained. We
also discuss the perspectives for active control of the laminar-to-turbulent
transition fluctuations by electromagnetic field modulation.
