A dielectric barrier discharge actuator comprising a first electrode disposed adjacent on a surface of a dielectric; a second electrode disposed under the surface and downstream of the first electrode, relative to a flow direction of an ionized layer; an electrical ballast, a third electrode disposed on the surface of the dielectric downstream from the second electrode, connected to the second electrode through the ballast; a series of equal potential strips disposed across the surface of the dielectric and aligned perpendicular to the flow direction of the ionized layer; and a voltage source for applying a voltage across the first and second electrodes, to cause ionization of air between the first electrode and the surface of the dielectric, and to accelerate the ions across the surface of the dielectric; whereby an ionized layer is created when the first electrode is energized by the voltage source.