"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.


....don't forget the B-1

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


It's probably a combination of all three, though someone also pointed out
that engine efficiency has a lot to do with it as well. Newer engines are
indeed more versatile in their application of power, and I would probably
add that aerodynamics have come a long way as well.

That is not to say that there is no benefit at all in having a swing-wing,
but the advantage is minimized by these advances to a point that it no
longer becomes cost effective to incorporate variable geometry into a modern
design.

However, if I remember correctly, I did see some designs for a new SST
concept that utilized varible geometry wings. Not much came of it though, at
least I dont think.

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

That has more to do with steath than anything else. 90-degree angles are a
major no-no in stealth design. So simply canting the tail surfaces inward or
outward can greatly reduce a radar signature. I believe that this was first
discovered on the SR-71; the engineers lowered its signature by something
like 30% or so just by giving it inward canted stabilizers.




Bob




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