Originally Posted by
Vasco XV
The Tornado was initially fitted with ramps (ie variable geometry intakes) to position the oblique shock wave on the cowl lip of the intake. They were indeed scheduled to work above Mach 1.3. The ramps were a pain in the ass because they frequently leaked hydraulic fluid and it was normally an arduous task to repair. As with everything, the cost of continually repairing the ramps outweighed the benefits of having them so we stopped having them.
Thanks, this is the bit where I couldn't see what was happening.
It's obvious it's got to choke to get the pressure recovery but I just couldn't see how anyone could design an intake to choke in one place at all speeds without something moving. What I could see was a limited speed range with fixed geo.
Nicely explained.