Birds do not require the use of vertical tails. They do not appear to have any mechanism by which to control their yaw. As an example the albatross is notable in this regard. The authors believe this is possible because of a unique adaptation by which there exists a triple-optimal solution that provides the maximum aerodynamic efficiency, the minimum structural weight, and it provides for coordination of control in roll and yaw. Until now, this solution has eluded researchers, and remained unknown. Here it is shown that the correct specification of spanload provides for all three solutions at once, maximum aerodynamic efficiency, minimum structural weight, and coordinated control. The implications of this result has far reaching effects on the design of aircraft, as well as dramatic efficiency improvement.


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    Title :

    On the Minimum Induced Drag of Wings


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Cal Poly Aero Class
    AIAA SciTech 2017
    Annual Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) Expo West
    Pioneer Valley High School
    California Polytechnic State University (Aero Design Class)
    Annual Experimental Soaring Association Western Workshop 2017
    Sustainable Aviation (SA) Symposium 2017


    Publication date :

    2015-05-14


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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