Posted on 09/23/2015 4:21:18 AM PDT by taildragger
For years, all the aviation world knew about Boeing’s secret stealth project from the 1960s was limited to a name and a single mysterious photo. It seemed like a relic out of time, possessing many stealthy design features that wouldn’t exist until decades later, and even then, only in highly classified black projects.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com ...
Wish FR had a thumbs up so many good post, thanks everyone!
“Back in the day water tunnels were used just as much as wind tunnels in aircraft design. Wright Patterson had quite a few.”
Never knew that. I would think using a non compressible fluid would give very different results than air.
Fluid mechanics is the basis of aeronautical engineering.
What a coincidence how many things were invented created (remanufactured) after say “1947”,just sheer coincidence....
...
WWII, as many wars do, had a tremendous influence on science and technology. There was also a huge investment in Big Science in the 1950’s and early 1960’s.
Instrumentation in a wind tunnel had it’s associated cost. A water tunnel model with red dye injection upstream of the model gave a great visual, was photographed, and analyzed. It was used in the early stages of development. I sat next to a mothballed Amraam missile water tunnel for several years. Fascinating.
“Fluid mechanics is the basis of aeronautical engineering.”
Yes, but wouldn’t the results of testing in a denser, non compressible fluid give very different results? Not arguing, looking for someone more knowledgeable than I to explain.
Its easier to see turbulence in water.
Scientifically, ‘fluids’ include gases, liquids, and plasma.
My late uncle was an aero engineer and expert in fluid mechanics. He actually used STP as a medium for testing aero concepts.
Thanks for the ping. Interesting design. Ahead of its time. Not produced.
Yup, and then again when the analysis came out saying that it was cobbled together from chopped up MiG-17 parts and plywood. Like a not-quite 1:1 scale Whiff kitbash.
All you need if the point of the hoist is to put it on the back of a truck, or something.
Ya been reading my mind Az_Gila, I thought that today as well. I see the picture is from "Zoomer's" site. RIP Jeremy Monnett. I got to meet him via an intro from a dear friend, nice guy.
Ask Georgio!
True. I worked on several such projects back in the 1950s that ended up as "failed" projects. In reality, they were attempts to do things that the state of the art simply wouldn't support at the time. The ideas were sound, and all have now become practical.
I recall reading an article in AVIATION WEEK, many years after I was off those projects, that led to a head-slapping moment. Of course! That's how you do it. But those components weren't available back then.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.