2007-02-26 07:06:11 · 3 answers · asked by cainzjuss 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
Depends on whether you are referring to dihedral or sweep. Forward swept wings and negative dihedrals both require continuous monitoring by redundant computer controls to keep flying. They are too unstable to fly manually, but the instability allows for very rapid maneuvering, roll rates and pitch rates...
2007-02-26 09:04:37 · answer #1 · answered by Gordon B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A positive dihedral is inherently stable. A negative isn't. But a high wing is stable and a low wing isn't. A low wing with positive dihedral or a hight wing with negative dihedral will give you the chance to get a reasonable mix of control and stability.
A low wing negative dihedral produces an aircraft that requires constant watching, the F104 had a stability augmentation system. A high wing positive dihedral will go in a straight line no matter what you do, or at least it requires a lot of control force to roll it, some WWI recce aircraft were that way on, very stable but very easy to shoot down.
2007-02-26 19:17:36 · answer #2 · answered by Chris H 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have to disagree with Chris on the stability of the F-104. I logged close to 1,000 hours in the little fella, and loved it. Stab aug was prone to failure in those days and presented no problem worth mentioning. The 104 was just one of those planes where you'd better be a real pilot before you strap one on your backside.
2007-02-27 00:29:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋