(which first flew in 1969) used variable geometry wedge-shaped intakes to achieve a maximum speed of Mach 2.2. A similar design was used on the F-14 Tomcat (the F-14A was first delivered in 1972) and achieved a maximum speed of Mach 2.34.

Waves and the hypersonic limit

As the Mach number of the upstream flow becomes increasingly hypersonic, the equations for the pressure, density, and temperature after the oblique shock wave reach a mathematical limit.

1.Previous
3.Next