Incredible plan for ‘wonky wing’ supersonic plane of the future

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THE INCREDIBLE plan for a "wonky wing" supersonic plane of the future defied nature with its mind-bending design.

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The aircraft's design saw it adopt just a single wing that would rotate on a centre pivot - similar to a helicopter.

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The design certainly raised eyebrows but it was guaranteed to offer several advantages over more conventional swept wings.

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At supersonic speeds, the angled orientation minimised drag, reducing fuel use, making it quieter and improving performance.

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But since the early 1990s, budget constraints and shifting priorities have largely stalled intensive oblique wing research programs.

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In 1979, the NASA Ames-Dryden-1 began rigorous flight testing becoming the only manned aircraft built to explore the oblique wing concept.

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Many aviation experts are convinced it is a matter of time before the unique design returns as manufacturers seek more speed, fuel efficiency and range.

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