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An elliptical lift distribution provides the least amount of induced drag for a given span; the easiest way to produce an elliptical lift distribution is to have an elliptical planform and no twist. Usually, designers do not use elliptical planforms as the difficulty in manufacture is not worth the small reduction in induced drag: careful selection of taper and twist will get quite close to an elliptical lift distribution, at least in a range of lift coefficients. Incidentally, the wing on the Spitfire has an elliptical planform but it also has washout, so it does not have an elliptical lift distribution. The reason for the elliptical wing is to provide more internal volume outboard, to accommodate landing gear and armament.
There were many ww2-era fighters with excellent handling that did not have elliptical planforms, e.g., the Hellcat, P-36, P-40, and Hurricane.
P-47 was one of the most expensive single engine aircraft produced by anyone during WWII.
I suspect that higher production cost is a significant disadvantage.
He-112B was more expensive then Me-109. P-47 was one of the most expensive single engine aircraft produced by anyone during WWII.
I suspect that higher production cost is a significant disadvantage.
He-112B was more expensive then Me-109. P-47 was one of the most expensive single engine aircraft produced by anyone during WWII.
Although not a fighter, let's not forget the beautifully elegant He 70 Blitz.
I remember an incident when at a place I used to work at there was a P-47 that no longer flew and was on undercarriage supports. We had to move it and I was placed under one of the tailplanes and used my back to arch up and lift the back end off the tail wheel supports, but the guy under the opposite tailplane got out early, which meant I had the full weight of a P-47's back end land on my back!
Owwww! I take it you went down with a Thud?
Ok, stupid question here...
Actually two:
1) suppose the Spitfire was designed with a Moderate Taper wing, how would this have effected it's performance?
2) would the Elliptical wing have been a benefit to the P-51 or a hinderance?
Technically speaking, the P-35 had a semi-elliptical wing, like the He280.It seems the only American aircraft designers that used elliptical wings that I can think of was Seversky/Republic -- at least that I can readily think of -- anybody know of any others?