Remove Airfoil Remove Horizontal Stabilizer Remove Jet
article thumbnail

Flight Test Files: The Douglas D-558-2 Skyrocket – Chasing Mach 2

Vintage Aviation News

The jet- and rocket-powered aircraft exceeded expectations, performing better than predicted in high-speed wind tunnel testsparticularly in drag performance above Mach 0.85. Its test flights provided data that shaped the designs of later swept-wing military aircraft, including the Century Series of jet fighters.

Drag 52
article thumbnail

Flight Test Files: Grumman F-14 Tomcat

Vintage Aviation News

One of the standout aircraft in Drydens research history is the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, a legendary Navy fighter jet that played a key role in two major research programs at the center. These glove modifications served to smooth the wing surface and alter the airfoil to achieve specific pressure distributions.

article thumbnail

Nothing Small About It

Plane and Pilot

The airfoil is a Harry Riblett shape, giving modernized flow separation on the leading edge for a soft stall yet with good lift and drag performance. A significant investment in heavy, water-jet cut steel tooling means repeatedly accurate wings come off the Composite Creations table.