Stability of Swivel Wing Supersonic Aircraft

Abstract

THE model^1,2 presented by R. T. Jones for a swivel wing supersonic transport does not reveal the inherent stability of trim when the wing is rotated. This stability may very simply be demonstrated by a paper model (Fig. 1). A straight strip of paper is taken and trim tabs are cut as shown. For the subsonic flight condition, wing tip fins are bent up at right angles to the span and the nose weight, a wooden match split halfway along its length, is set parallel to the fins. To convert to the supersonic swivel winged condition, new fins are bent at 45° to the span and the match is moved to a new position parallel to the fins. Straight flight is achieved by bending the fin tips and trim for level flight by bending up the trim tabs and adjusting the extension of the match stick.