F-15 wingtips

[speedrestriction]

Could anyone explain to me the reason why the wing span at the leading edge of the F-15 wing is greater than the trailing edge. I appreciate that many fighter aircraft of the 70s-00s were designed to incorporate wing tip mounted hardpoints which obviously constrains the wing design options. Does the F-15’s wingtip imbue any particular aerodynamic improvements?

[JohnFTEng]

IIRC they got the lift distribution wrong at design stage and only found it at early flight test. Quick solution was to reduce TE torque by cutting back outboard area. This from memories reAding Flight International at uni in late 60s / early 70s

[itsnotthatbloodyhard]

Here you go: http://aviationarchives.net/The%20Saga%20of%20the%20F-15%20Wing%20Tips_Revised%201_.pdf

(TLDR: to alleviate buffet due to shock-induced separation)

[speedrestriction]

Thank you both very much. Far more interesting story than I had guessed.

[Capn Bloggs]

Fascinating. "Told ya so!"; Jack would've been smiling.

[B2N2]

Great story thanks !

[turbidus]

more fun reading...

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19890009868.pdf

[RVF750]

Also this is a nice one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UGaYQybb4E