On May 5, 4:09*pm, Frank Whiteley wrote:
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- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

YES! I'll buy one as soon as I'm not the weak link in my Speed
Astir's performance! Oh... never mind.