more at http://scitech.quickfound.netnn"Cockpit control for varying wing sweep for F-111. Wing sweep forward allows efficient low speed oper...
more at http://scitech.quickfound.netnn"Cockpit control for varying wing sweep for F-111. Wing sweep forward allows efficient low speed operations, moderate sweep back permits effective transonic maneuverability and full aft sweep provides efficient supersonic flight with reduced drag. Concept invented in the 7x10 High Speed Tunnel at NASA Langley Research Center. "nnPublic domain film from NASA, slightly cropped to remove uneven edges, with the aspect ratio corrected, and mild video noise reduction applied.nThe film was silent. I have added music created by myself using the Reaper Digital Audio Workstation and the Independence, Kontakt and Proteus VX VST instrument plugins.nnhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable-sweep_wingnnA variable-sweep wing, colloquially known as a "swing wing", is an aeroplane wing that may be swept back and then returned to its original position during flight. It allows the aircraft's planform to be modified in flight, and is therefore an example of a variable-geometry aircraft.nnTypically, a swept wing is more suitable for high speeds, while an unswept wing is suitable for lower speeds, allowing the aircraft to carry more fuel and/or payload, as well as improving field performance. A variable-sweep wing allows a pilot to select the correct wing configuration for the plane's intended speed. The variable-sweep wing is most useful for those aircraft that are expected to function at both low and high speed, and for this reason it has been used primarily in military aircraft.nnA number of successful and experimental designs were introduced from the 1940s into the 1970s; however, the recent advances in flight control technology and structural materials have allowed designers to closely tailor the aero-dynamics and structure of aircraft, removing the need for variable geometry to achieve the required performance...nnhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Dynamics_F-111_AardvarknnThe General Dynamics F-111 "Aardvark" was a medium-range interdictor and tactical strike aircraft that also filled the roles of strategic bomber, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare in its various versions. Developed in the 1960s by General Dynamics, it first entered service in 1967 with the United States Air Force. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) also ordered the type and began operating F-111Cs in 1973.nnThe F-111 pioneered several technologies for production aircraft, including variable-sweep wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and automated terrain-following radar for low-level, high-speed flight. Its design influenced later variable-sweep wing aircraft, and some of its advanced features have since become commonplace. The F-111 suffered a variety of problems during initial development and several of its intended roles, such as naval interception, with the F-111B, failed to materialize.nnUSAF F-111 variants were retired in the 1990s, with the F-111Fs in 1996 and EF-111s in 1998. The F-111 has been replaced in USAF service by the F-15E Strike Eagle for medium-range precision strike missions, while the supersonic bomber role has been assumed by the B-1B Lancer. The RAAF was the last operator of the F-111, with its aircraft serving until December 2010...nnOverviewnnThe F-111 was an all-weather attack aircraft, capable of low-level penetration of enemy defenses to deliver ordnance on the target. The F-111 featured variable geometry wings, an internal weapons bay and a cockpit with side by side seating. The cockpit was part of an escape crew capsule. The wing sweep varied between 16 degrees and 72.5 degrees (full forward to full sweep). The wing included leading edge slats and double slotted flaps over its full length. The airframe was made up mostly of aluminum alloys with steel, titanium and other materials used in places. The fuselage was made of a semi-monocoque structure with stiffened panels and honeycomb sandwich panels for skin.nnThe F-111 used a three-point landing gear arrangement, with a two-wheel nose gear and two single-wheel main landing gear. The landing gear door for the main gear, which was positioned in the center of the fuselage, also served as a speed brake in flight. Most F-111 variants included a terrain-following radar system connected to the autopilot. The aircraft was powered by two Pratt & Whitney TF30 afterburning turbofan engines. The F-111's variable geometry wings, escape capsule, terrain following radar, and afterburning turbofans were new technologies for production aircraft...nnSpecifications (F-111F)...nn- Maximum speed: Mach 2.5 (1,650 mph, 2,655 km/h) at altituden- Combat radius: 1,330 mi[discuss] (1,160 nmi, 2,140 km)n- Ferry range: 4,200 mi (3,700 nmi, 6,760 km)n- Service ceiling: 66,000 ft (20,100 m)n- Rate of climb: 25,890 ft/min (131.5 m/s)... Less
