Mach tuck

Mach tuck is an aerodynamic effect, as an aircraft moves from subsonic flight to supersonic its nose tends to pitch down.

Related Topics:
Subsonic - Supersonic

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In subsonic flight the wing distorts the air above and in front of the wing and the aerodynamic center is typically 1/4 back from the leading edge of the wing. This is the point that the wing appears to lift the aircraft.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

However at supersonic speeds the aerodynamics of the wing changes drastically as the air does not move forward and above the wing. The aerodynamic center moves towards the center of the wing, lifting the aircraft further back and pushing the nose down.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This was one of the most important barriers to supersonic flight. Conventional aircraft did not have enough elevator control to counteract the mach tuck and raise the nose. Aircraft that accidently entered supersonic flight often crashed as they were unable to pull out of the dive. Modern supersonic aircraft have a fully moving tailplane.

Related Topics:
Elevator - Tailplane

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~