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Subject: why is the F-18 so slow
former18D    7/6/2014 3:55:11 AM
I've long wondered why the legacy F-18, with engines in the same class of thrust as the venerable F-4 it replaced (J-79 vs F404), is slower than the F-4. The F-4 is often derided as being proof that with enough thrust even a brick could fly. Where is the drag coming from in the legacy F-18 design (which does not suffer from the canted pylons of the larger Super Hornet)? The LERXes? I'd like to hear from those with more aerodynamic perspective than I.
 
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former18D       7/6/2014 4:03:47 AM
sorry mods for the multiple postings, seems to be some issue accessing site with Safari
 
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keffler25       7/6/2014 6:08:50 AM
The F-404 is NOT in the same thrust class as the J-79.
 
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former18D    GE website begs to differ   7/6/2014 11:33:27 AM
hmmm not true
 
 
They both produce roughly 17-18k in thrust in afterburner, give or take a 1000 
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keffler25       7/7/2014 11:40:27 AM
The acceleration  gammas are vastly different. THAT is why the F404 is the superior engine,  

hmmm not true

 


 

They both produce roughly 17-18k in thrust in afterburner, give or take a 1000 

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violentnuke       8/26/2014 12:51:46 PM
i gather the wing is a bit straighter than an F4. Thus the shock wave mach angles to match the width of the wing have to be shallower, thus making it designed slower. The F104 has straight wings but they are short and stubby. The sharp nose and nose boom act as a spike far ahead allowing for very steep mach angles, from nose to wing tips.
 
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violentnuke       8/26/2014 12:56:41 PM
Reno prop air racers have double the horsepower but only 3% increase in velocity compared to the stock systems. Again, the sonic shock management is the limiting factor.
 
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