kool kitty89
Senior Master Sergeant
Here's where Soren already corrected himself, Bill:
plus from the original email post:
Oh btw, Gene notes that the full elliptical lift distribution occuring in turns wasn't a design feature from the start, which I said it was, so on that point I was wrong and I gladly admit it.
plus from the original email post:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Soren
I see, so I was wrong when I said that Fw-190's wing achieved basically fully elliptical lift distribution in turns ?
No you are right. That is what causes the harsh stall. It is not a design feature however. It is just and explanation for the two different stall characteristics of the design.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Soren
It was my understanding that the Spitfire's wing didn't achieve fully elliptical lift distribution because of the washout applied to the wing all the way out to the tips.
You are right on this too. The Spitfire does not achieve the full efficiency benefits of elliptical wing construction due to the washout. At the same time though it is probably the most efficient of the three. If we examine the aircraft at a design optimum point, you will find little to no difference.
So the debate is now settled I hope.