Asymmetric F-15 Eagle-Staggerwing

[Tophe]

As I presented at the end of my asymmetric-aircraft site
http://cmeunier.chez-alice.fr/Asymm_addition.htm
I have just discovered an asymmetric F-15 Eagle, design of 1977, better for transsonic:
http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=a_8tAAAAEBAJ&dq=patent:4139172

 

[Stargazer]

This looks INSANE!!! Wonder how that bird can fly in dogfight situations...

 

[Tophe]

Sorry, I think it is rather wise, think of the area rule...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_rule

 

[Kryptid]

Hmm, there may be less wave drag in transonic flight, but what would happen to the lift distribution?

What would happen when the aircraft is traveling fast enough for the shock coming off of the nose to touch the right wing but not the left wing? Wouldn't a yawing moment be generated by the increased drag on the one wing but not the other?

Surely there would also be some asymmetry in a left bank versus a right bank. If it cannot turn as well in one direction as in the other, then that could give an opponent a potential way to exploit it.

 

[Just call me Ray]

Sorry, I think it is rather wise, think of the area rule...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_rule

I still don't follow how the asymetric wing design helps in that regard.

 

[Tophe]

Sorry, I think it is rather wise, think of the area rule...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_rule

I still don't follow how the asymetric wing design helps in that regard.

Wikipedia says: "To reduce the number and power of these shock waves, an aerodynamic shape should change in cross-sectional area as smoothly as possible. This leads to a "perfect" aerodynamic shape". Here is my interpretation for the Eagle:

 

[Just call me Ray]

Sorry, I think it is rather wise, think of the area rule...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_rule

I still don't follow how the asymetric wing design helps in that regard.

Wikipedia says: "To reduce the number and power of these shock waves, an aerodynamic shape should change in cross-sectional area as smoothly as possible.

See, I get that much, but in your first post you didn't explain the how of that works. It's like explaining to someone that computers run on binary but not explaining how the 1s and 0s work. Well, the little chart helps at least.

 

[albert77]

Recebtly, I have discovered your web, Tophe, and I think you have made a great job, with this recopilation. I think it is very exhaustive. Thaks for your work.
When I'd produce an asymmetric design I will show to you! ;-)

Al

 

[Tophe]

Thanks a lot, Albert. Every design is welcome.
While, uh... here on Secret Projects, this is mostly focused on industrial designs, the personnal creations are more the suject of the What-if parent site. Feel free to invent and imagine, and thank you for that.

 

[Grey Havoc]

Was the design intended as a recon bird, perhaps?

 

[Tophe]

Maybe: rotating around the target, there is a perfect view - no need of electronics anymore!