Supercritical airfoil

A Supercritical airfoil is an airfoil designed to delay the onset of wave drag in the transonic speed range. Supercritical airfoils are characterized by their flattened upper surface, highly cambered (curved) aft section, and greater leading edge radius as compared to traditional airfoil shapes. The Supercritical airfoil was created in the 1950s, by then NASA scientist Richard Whitcomb while working on the supersonic transport (SST) project. The Supercritical airfoil shape is incorporated into the design of a Supercritical wing.

Related Topics:
Airfoil - Wave drag - Transonic - Leading edge - 1950s - NASA - Richard Whitcomb - Supersonic transport - Supercritical wing

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