Is elliptical wing superior to the regular profile in term of aerodynamics?

[GrauGeist]

Or, to appear to have superior internet intellect that is indisputable among the unwashed:
FACT !!

 

[BiffF15]

Or, to appear to have superior internet intellect that is indisputable among the unwashed:
FACT !!

Or ”arguing “ about a certain airplane code named “The Groundhog”…

 

[GrauGeist]

Or ”arguing “ about a certain airplane code named “The Groundhog”…

That particular thread was "interesting", to say the least.

 

[BiffF15]

That particular thread was "interesting", to say the least.

Plus redundant AND repetitive…

 

[GrauGeist]

Plus redundant AND repetitive…

FACT!!

 

[OldGeezer]

This exact question came up when I was studying aerospace engineering, half a century ago. I don't have my textbooks or notes anymore, but this is a good summary from what I recall: What is the optimum design: elliptical lift distribution or elliptical span loading parameter distribution?

 

[rinkol]

How many are you making? What is technology available to you (airfoil, structure and construction)? What is your work force skilled at? How much space do I have to work in?

Aside questions: How much power do you have? What is the plane to be used for?

If I'm only building 100 Hurricane/year over next 3 years, my work force is skilled at building up airfoils using little wood pieces and Hurricane will be replaced by Tornado/Typhoon by year 4, one type of construction might be cheaper.

If I'm making 1,000 Mustangs/year for next 5 years, my work force is skilled at stamping sheet metal, and I have the whole back 40 in beautiful California sun, then another would be cheaper.

There is the further issue that elliptical wings have complex 3D curves that would make it very difficult to achieve a sufficiently accurate profile needed to make an effective laminar flow wing.

 

[tomo pauk]

There is the further issue that elliptical wings have complex 3D curves that would make it very difficult to achieve a sufficiently accurate profile needed to make an effective laminar flow wing.

Where to the wing designs from Tempest and Sea Fury stand with this?

 

[pbehn]

How many are you making? What is technology available to you (airfoil, structure and construction)? What is your work force skilled at? How much space do I have to work in?

Aside questions: How much power do you have? What is the plane to be used for?

If I'm only building 100 Hurricane/year over next 3 years, my work force is skilled at building up airfoils using little wood pieces and Hurricane will be replaced by Tornado/Typhoon by year 4, one type of construction might be cheaper.

If I'm making 1,000 Mustangs/year for next 5 years, my work force is skilled at stamping sheet metal, and I have the whole back 40 in beautiful California sun, then another would be cheaper.

In fact truth is stranger than fiction. The Hurricane had two wings. The first type was little changed from the bi plane era and covered with fabric and dope. This allowed the hurricane to be produced and pilots trained, squadrons expanded while Hawkers worked on making a stressed skin wing which was then quickly fitted to all Hurricanes in the field.

 

[GrauGeist]

In fact truth is stranger than fiction. The Hurricane had two wings. The first type was little changed from the bi plane era and covered with fabric and dope. This allowed the hurricane to be produced and pilots trained, squadrons expanded while Hawkers worked on making a stressed skin wing which was then quickly fitted to all Hurricanes in the field.

And let's not forget the Hillson FH.40 Hurricane.

 

[pbehn]

And let's not forget the Hillson FH.40 Hurricane.

Was any idea too daft to try just the once?

 

[SaparotRob]

Nuts and chewing gum together at last!. Homer J. Simpson

 

[special ed]

A controlline F.A.I. team racer from the 1960s.

The article says he flew this model in competition over five years with stock engine only fine tuneing the airframe.
He was quite successful.

 

[Graeme]

Kalinin was rather fond of elliptical wings.

Konstantin Kalinin - Wikipedia

 

[SaparotRob]

I like his design of its landing gear.