What measure(s) can be taken to reduce the drag at transonic and supersonic air speeds? Reduce the tip chord of the wing, Increase the sweep angle of the wing, Reduce the thickness of the airfoil,
Increase the aspect ratio of the wing.
To reduce drag at transonic and supersonic air speeds, the following measures can be taken:
1. Increase the sweep angle of the wing: Sweeping the wings backward helps in reducing drag by delaying the onset of shock waves. The higher the sweep angle, the better the shock wave reduction.
2. Reduce the thickness of the airfoil: Thinner airfoils tend to have lower drag at high speeds. The thinner profile helps in reducing the wave drag caused by shock waves forming on the wing.
3. Increase the aspect ratio of the wing: A high aspect ratio wing (longer and narrower) reduces drag by decreasing the induced drag. This type of wing configuration disperses the airflow more evenly, minimizing the creation of turbulent vortices that cause drag.
4. Use wingtip devices: Adding wingtip devices such as winglets can reduce drag by reducing the formation of wingtip vortices. These vortices create drag by increasing the pressure differential between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing.
However, it's important to note that reducing drag at transonic and supersonic speeds is a complex task, and a combination of various design features is typically required to achieve optimal performance.