Boomer wrote:

I'm no aerodynamicist but I've been running some numbers and noticed some
interesting things.
The SU-27 is credited with being more manueverable than F-15 and yet F-15
has a higher TTW number (except at gross) and a lower wing loading by a
large margin (again except at gross). The SU should develope more body lift
than Eagle, but at best it looks like a wash at low altitudes, with Eagle
turning better than SU at altitude.
Any thoughts? Am I missing something large here? The Su's lerx's and higher
aspect wing should make a positive differance at low level and low speeds
but I dont think it would make up for the other numbers. Eagle should have a
20% better wing loading and about a 14% better TTW number.

My guess would be that in addition to the LERX it's the auto LEF, vs. a fixed
LE, high-camber wing. The latter is lighter, but you'll note that every
maneuverable fighter designed after the F-15 has gone with LEF. McAir's
designers considered LEF, but decided against them on cost/weight grounds, and
maybe on performance grounds in a certain part of the envelope. I've always
wanted to ask whoever made the decision if, given the benefit of hindsight,
they'd have gone the other way.

Guy