Military AI Works

I was watching some photos and I found this one
http://www.carrierbuilders.net/gallery/ ... 515677.jpg

Look at the underwing tanks: are they actually so or it is a mistake of the modeller?
If it's true, does this have an effect on the aerodynamics of the real vechicle?

I have never noticed that before. I think it is a mistake on the modeller. Hopefully rotorhead will chime in on this as he is the resident expert.

Les

Did some looking around and I definitely think it is a mistake on the modeller.

http://www.carrierbuilders.net/element/ ... php?id=531
http://www.carrierbuilders.net/element/ ... php?id=450


Les

Thanks guys!

I don't think a mistake. I found this:
"Early wind-tunnel tests caried out in the summer of 1993 indicated that some weapons stores might collide with the side of the fuselage or with other stores when released. This problem was caused by an adverse airflow created by the airframe, and to cure this problem the underwing pylons were redesigned and canted outwards at three degrees"
from:
http://home.att.net/~jbaugher4/f18_24.html

Very interesting! Thanks!

Nope, not a mistake and very easy to see in the "5-wet" tanker config. Nice models.

And something that is accurately modeled on the VRS SuperHornet. Their attention to detail was complete.

Thanks for answering, I'll keep it in mind while building my 1/72 Superbug in the Gunslingers livery!

Yep I will concur that this is definately not a mistake and is how the actual Hornet is setup. It has something to do with aerodynamics.

Nick

I posted the same message on the zone-five.net modelling forum. The position of the pylosn makes them act as an airbrake, that's why there is no airbrake on the Superbug!

There is an airbrake, just not the same as the legacy Hornet as a single surface. It uses differential deflection of the primary control surfaces and spoilers mounted aft of the LEX (leading edge extensions).

Hi guys, sorry for the late chime in here. The Super Hornet does in fact have canted pylons. The legacy Hornet does not but due to some design issues early on in the Super Hornet program, and when carrying a certain weapon, they decided to cant the pylons out...3 degrees I believe.. This has been a sore spot in the Super Hornet program and was an issue with the Aussies buying them as well, but they decided to purchase anyway. This does affect the performance of the jet, especially in the 5 wet configuration.

I would imagine that adds a hellavalota drag to the aircraft??

MIKE JG wrote:I would imagine that adds a hellavalota drag to the aircraft??

Well, when I wrote that this is the reason why the SH doesn't have a "proper" airbrake, this is what I meant!
On a modelling forum, somebody answered: "It has no a/b, it has 6 on the wings"!