On May 5, 5:04 pm, wrote:
On May 5, 3:28 pm, sisu1a wrote:

But the bottom line is that the increases in L/D and *aerodynamic
performance* aren't likely to change by large amonths. And the new
materials have little or no effect on the aerodynamic performance or
the shape of the wings.

Nasa doesn't seem to agree with you either:http://www.gizmag.com/go/2242/picture/3073/
(there are links to the rest Aero Elastic Wing article along with more
pics)
Perhaps they should read Fred Thomas' book and get over
themselves! ; )

In Jest,
Paul

Just for the 'what if' pile..... What if a new material becomes
available that would allow a true variable airfoil / camber wing to be
built. (like the Aero Elastic Wing on steroids) Not just the last 10%
or so of the chord, but truly changing the airfoil in flight to
whatever is best suited to the immediate circumstances? Yes, this is
JUST a fantasy, but so was aviation in general 105 years ago.

How about a passive nano-unobtanium surface that smoothed and
roughened at different speeds/loadings to prevent flow separation,
along with the airfoil elasticity?

Frank W