Investigation at Low Speed of the Longitudinal Stability Characteristics of a 60 deg Swept-Back Tapered Low-Drag Wing

Abstract

An investigation was made in the Langley 300 MPH 7- by 10-foot tunnel to determine at low speed the longitudinal stability characteristics of a 60 deg swept-back, tapered, low-drag wing of aspect ratio 2.55. Several modifications were made to this wing in an attempt to improve its longitudinal stability characteristics. The results show undesirably large changes in the longitudinal stability characteristics of the 60 deg swept-back wing. The most effective modification consisted in an alteration to the plan form of the wing by extending the leading edge forward about half a chord length over the outer 25 percent of the span. The maximum lift coefficient of the swept-back wing was about the same as that of the unswept wing, but the angle of attack for maximum lift of the swept wing was more than twice that of the straight wing. Decreasing the aspect ratio from 2.55 to 1 improved the longitudinal stability characteristics of the wing, particularly in the range of high lift coefficient. The results of testing the wing with a deflectable tip showed little promise with regard to improvement of the longitudinal stability characteristics, but deflecting the tip offered interesting possibilities as a means of longitudinal and lateral control.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1947
Accession Number
ADB806055

Entities

People

  • John G. Lowry
  • L. E. Schneiter

Organizations

  • National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Characteristics
  • Aerodynamic Configurations
  • Aerodynamic Forces
  • Aircraft Wings
  • Aircrafts
  • Airfoils
  • Aspect Ratio
  • Coefficients
  • Drag
  • High Lift
  • Leading Edge Flaps
  • Leading Edges
  • Low Drag
  • Swept Wings
  • Sweptback Wings
  • Trailing Edges
  • Wing Tips

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.