If you are missing anything big it is probably that the manufacturers have spent many, many hours of computer simulation and wind tunnel testing to ensure that the bits fit together for maximum efficiency. You can bet they have got things pretty much correct. A couple of points to consider. First, bearing the above in mind, an aeroplane is one big flying compromise. A long range aircraft will be optimised for cruise a short range aircraft might be optimised for field performance. Therefore, you may see some odd design aspects but there is probably a good reason for them. Secondly, make sure you are differentiating between wing angle of attack, wing rigging incidence and the attitude shown on the aircraft attitude indicator. The latter is purely arbitrary depending on gyro installation and calibration. An aircraft could be flying with an indicated two degrees nose up while the fuselage is actually perfectly streamlined with the relative airflow. Also consider that we normally only see an aeroplane operating in the low speed regime near the ground. The fuselage angle will be much more nose down in high altitude, high speed cruise flight.
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[This message has been edited by BOING (edited 31 December 2000).]