Usually planes are able to fly when air moves across the wings which generates lift. But how do fighter jets able to maintain lift while performing aerobatic maneuvers?

Question

Usually planes are able to fly when air moves across the wings which generates lift. But how do fighter jets able to maintain lift while performing aerobatic maneuvers?

In: 342

Answer 1

At some point it’s utilizing downwash more than proper aerodynamic lift at high angles of attack. That of course provides less lift than the typical aerodynamic effect, but the power to weight ratio overcomes the rest while it keeps flying through a stalled condition. They get away with it because the engines are powerful enough to do so.

The other time you see this is with really really light small aircraft. RC model “foamy fliers” often have flat slabs for wings and may take advantage of downwash more than aerodynamics. Again over half the time it may be stalled, but it doesn’t matter for something like 3D flying. And again the power to weight ratio means the motor is able to pull it along regardless. It’s not exactly an efficient mode of flight though, so for something like gliders you’d still see a proper airfoil at that scale.