**~~~ Best Airfoil shape ~~~**

[ironizer]

I found this applet on airfoils and other types of lift methods:

 

http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/foil2.html

 

seems like it is all based on the angle of attack and the curvature of the wing.

 

BUT... I want to make one with the most possible lift and the least possible drag. Which shape is the best? If you can do it on the applet, give me the values or a screenshot so I can reproduce it.

 

Thanxo!!!!

[gcol]

My understanding, for what it's worth, is first to determine the designed flying speed, stall characteristics, then the take-off and landing characteristics required, then choose an airfoil section to suit, and the optimum angle of attack will follow. Highly cambered sections for high lift at slow speed with high drag, and symetrical sections for high speed and low drag. In both cases the thickness is also important. The section also detemines flight characteristics such as stable and steady (almost "hands-off") flying, or twitchy and unstable as required for a fighter.