Why Do Backwards Wings Exist?

[Scott Rose]

Why Do Backwards Wings Exist?

Source: Real Engineering

This video proved to be very informative as to what the purpose of swept forward wings was as well as explaining conventional swept wings vs. straight wings. While it might seem to be outside the scope of our community, the swept wing (both forward and back) have there origins in World War II.

Check out the video and tell me what you think.

[BigGrey]

Thanks for posting that video. On a visit to Edwards AFB I took a close look at the X-29 and the pilot remarked that the plane was impossible to fly without the computers as no human could make the rapid control inputs needed every second to keep the plane stable. They did learn quite a bit from building and flying that plane.

[quemerford]

They are only 'backwards' because we are used to aft-swept wings. Maybe 'forward swept' would be a better term?

[raconnel]

The wings weren't backwards, the plane was just flying in the wrong direction.

[Scott Rose]

They are only 'backwards' because we are used to aft-swept wings. Maybe 'forward swept' would be a better term?

I agree, but I think the title is meant to grab the attention of non-aviation type people(you know... THOSE people)

[p51]

I thought it did a good explaining everything.

[Matt Gunsch]

The wings weren't backwards, the plane was just flying in the wrong direction.

Aircraft design courtesy of common core math