BOB URZ wrote in message ...
Why have most newer fighter designs not used swing wings?
It seems in the US, the F14 and F111 were the last to go with
swing wings. It seems the major reasons for using them is having the
best of both worlds in wing loading at both low and high speeds.

Why have the newer designs avoided them? Maintenance?
Weight? Cost?

From what I can see mostly maintainance. Advances in engines: they
are both more fuel efficient, lighter and more powerfull for the same
size means that performance such as take of run, range and top speed
can be achieved without resorting to the complexity of swing wings and
the space and weight liberated can best be used to carry more fuel. I
note also aerodynamics such as strakes and leading edge extensions
have also helped as have reductions in airframe weight.

Still the low wind gust response of an Panavia Tornado with wings back
at low level penetration is much better than an F15E but low level
penetration is nuts accoding to the USAF.




Also, most newer fighter designs use twin tails canted out from
perpendicular. Is there a reason this is better than straight
dual perpendicular tails?

Probably to get them in to clean airflow at high angle of attacks.



Bob




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