C-17 fin (warning -- extremely trivial)
Thread Starter
C-17 fin (warning -- extremely trivial)
Apologies in advance for what is probably the most trivial question ever asked in this forum (and my first posting too...)
Having not yet seen a C-17 in the flesh but only in assorted pictures, I still can't make up my mind whether the leading and trailing edges of the fin are parallel. They look to me as though they diverge slightly from fuselage to tailplane, but it's difficult to think of any reason why they should.
Any offers?
John
Having not yet seen a C-17 in the flesh but only in assorted pictures, I still can't make up my mind whether the leading and trailing edges of the fin are parallel. They look to me as though they diverge slightly from fuselage to tailplane, but it's difficult to think of any reason why they should.
Any offers?
John
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Secret base in Wilts
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Spotter alert!
Why not go out to the Gulf, with your lunch box and flask and sit on the end of a runway, and wait for one to come along.
By sitting there with a ruler and set square I'm sure you could make your own judgment and that way save wasting other peoples valuable time responding to this.
Why not go out to the Gulf, with your lunch box and flask and sit on the end of a runway, and wait for one to come along.
By sitting there with a ruler and set square I'm sure you could make your own judgment and that way save wasting other peoples valuable time responding to this.
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Try here Air Force pic
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: Suffolk UK
Posts: 4,927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't know the answer to your question, but I would have thought that the answer could be found on Boeing's website. Alternatively, try asking your question on the Tech Log forum, where some very erudite people will not only have the facts, but will explain why they are so in great detail!
Moderator
Join Date: Jul 1997
Location: Europe
Posts: 3,228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not sure that helps rivetjoint. If I read rightly he's looking for info on the vertical stabiliser (fin). But thanks.
Boeing C17
C17 USAF
Look pretty parallel but not been scientifically measured
Boeing C17
C17 USAF
Look pretty parallel but not been scientifically measured
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: The front end and about 50ft up
Posts: 510
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As far as I know, the C-17 fin does have a small amount of negative taper (ie chord smaller at the root than the tip) - it certainly looks like it. There will be a good reason for its shape, and although I have now forgotten most of my aero eng degree I suspect the reason will be aerodynamic, to do with dynamic stability, probably roll-yaw coupling known as Dutch Roll. The design cannot be a structural optimisation. You'll probably get the correct answer in Tech.
I'm surprised DelMar can spell C-17
I'm surprised DelMar can spell C-17
Join Date: May 2002
Location: No longer a hot and sandy place....but back to the UK for an indefinite period
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
18greens
If the Navy were allowed to fly them, they would definately hold hands across the cockpit before switching to autopilot and retiring to the overhead bed.
If the Navy were allowed to fly them, they would definately hold hands across the cockpit before switching to autopilot and retiring to the overhead bed.
