Hi guys and gals,
Way too late to help the OP, but as I'm having to read up on swept wings myself, the following might be useful to someone, somewhen?
One of the multiple choice questions in the aerodynamics section of the exam I'm currently swotting up for reads*:
Modern airliners have high aspect ratio swept wings. This solution:
a) is a good compromise on condition that the sweep does not exceed approx. 30 to 35°
b) increases the critical Mach number whilst minimising drag
c) ensures fuel economy at high subsonic speeds
d) all of the above are true, but the structure of a swept wing requires reinforcement compared to a straight wing
The answer is....
....d)
*free translation from the original French
