Quote:
Originally Posted by Embraer
first off, for both of you guys, it's "ground effect" ...not plural. secondly, that airplane is not flying that fast while in ground effect. ground effect on a jet like that would be around the 20-30 ft AGL range. forward looking radar for that? nah....
the reason for a swept wing is simple. better manueverability while subsonic, higher cruising speed while sonic. the best of both worlds.
random transportation picture:
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One of the modes on the TFR provides 50ft clearance to ground...at speeds into the 600kts and beyond range. That Tonka is neither that low or that fast.. however the RAF certainly did train that way....
In the case of the Tornado the swing wing was to allow this low alt/ high speed performance and a smooth ride... with good low speed for landing.
The F3 version (pictured) was an interceptor version, with poor (relatively) dogfighting performance and marginal high alt ability... certainly an F4 was a 'better' fighter in that regard, with the F16/15 several orders more able.