Like something out of a science fiction movie: wingless airplane project, designed by the French in the 1950s
February 17, 2024
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In the 1950s, a very different design from the traditional aircraft prototype was put forward. In this design It did not have a proper wing nor was it
In the 1950s, a very different design from the traditional aircraft prototype was put forward. In this design It did not have a proper wing nor was it horizontal in shape.
The plane has gone through years of development and testing, which wouldn’t look good if we put it in a science fiction movie. Agree After development efforts and a series of tests what happened? Let’s take a look, starting from the beginning.
They planned to increase the aircraft’s power and eliminate the traditional wing.
Conventional aircraft need a runway to take off properly. Wings strong enough to take off until it creates buoyancy Airplanes accelerate on this runway. More force can be applied to shorten the path on the track.
This gives more power faster start, In 1950s France he spawned a different idea. They decided to throw aside all traditional aircraft and design something brand new.
Planes with sufficient power could take off without needing a runway.
The shape looked more like a rocket than an airplane. Planes resembling an angry swarm of bees will fly over their tails. With the ability to take off, land and take off anywhere It would protect French airspace. This idea was not limited to France. It was later designed in the USA.
Powerful engines alone were not enough. Another wing was needed. For this a cylindrical wing they designed. One wing would fulfill many functions. The incoming air would compress, mix with the fuel and ignite the aircraft. The triangular fins around the wing are said to provide directional control.
The cylindrical wing was theoretically better than a conventional wing because it created less drag, but in practice parasitic friction caused by the structure of the wing, It caused more harm than good.
There was another problem. This design had the pilot’s back facing the ground. Designers designed a cockpit with a seat that can rotate 90 degrees regardless of the plane’s direction.
Flight tests began in 1959.
The plane was actually able to stay in the air for several minutes and climbed up to 800 meters. But because of its shape It turned slowly on its axis making it quite difficult to control.
There was also no chance to land without using engine power. During one of the tests, the plane crashed and the pilot barely survived. After this test, it was worked on for a number of years. The prototype was destroyed.
Alice Smith is a seasoned journalist and writer for Div Bracket. She has a keen sense of what’s important and is always on top of the latest trends. Alice provides in-depth coverage of the most talked-about news stories, delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles that keep her readers informed and engaged.