Performances at Supersonic Speeds
Wing sweep and aspect ratio at supersonic speeds have a rather precise
correlation, showing the stability limits of the wing. In this correlation the
aspect-ratio decreases as the sweep increases.
For sweeps of 40 to 60 degrees the aspect-ratios range is 2 to 4, although this limit
can be occasionally exceeded by accurate design of the tails and other control
surfaces. Since high sweep is required to fly with agility at supersonic speeds, the
aspect-ratio is set as a consequence.
The Table below shows a summary of fighter aircraft wing aspect-ratio and maximum
speeds (data compiled from Jane’s Information System).
Table 1: Aspect-Ratios of Fighter Wings
Aircraft | AR | M |
US F-15 (McDonnell-Douglas) | 3.0 | 2.5 |
US F-18 (McDonnel-Douglas) | 3.5 | 1.8 |
Dassault Mirage 2000 | 2.0 | 2.2 |
Dassault Rafale MO2 | 2.6 | 2.0 |
Sukhoi Su-27 | 3.5 | 2.3 |
Mapo Mig-29 | 3.4 | 2.3 |
The wings of the aircraft on Table 1 are all swept back. Development of swept forward
wings is still at the research stage, except for one prototype fighter (X-29).
Related material
On the Web
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Selected References
- Fink MP, Lastinger JL, Aerodynamic Characteristics of Low-Aspect
Ratio Wings in Close Proximity to the Ground, NACA TN D-926, 1961.
- Schlichting H, Truckenbrodt E. Aerodynamics of the Airplane,
McGraw-Hill, New York, 1979.
- Jane’s: All the World’s Aircraft, 1999-2002, edited by P. Jackson,
1999 (published fully update every year !)
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