Message posted by Peter Merlin (Member since 11/13/2003) on June 22, 2023 at 15:23:19 PST:
Aircraft configuration is based on many factors.The X-15 was a rocket-powered vehicle that was optimized for ballistic flight to the edge of space. The YF-12A was given a ventral fin to compensate for aerodynamic changes made to its nose in order to accommodate a conventional radome. These changes altered the airplane's directional stability. The XB-70 had wingtips that could be lowered during high-speed cruise. This gave the airplane wave-rider characteristics.
In Reply to: Question on high-speed aerodynamics posted by Altner on June 22, 2023 at 12:20:22 PST:
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