Pilot Institute

JUNE 4, 2025

Use of Reflex Airfoils Ever notice how many tailless aircraft have wings that curve at the trailing edge? This type of design is a reflex airfoil. The reflexed shape of the airfoil usually causes a positive (nose-up) pitching moment coefficient at its aerodynamic center. Flying wings dont have tails or elevators.

Tail 52

Tail Airplanes Weight-Shift-Control Drag 52

Pilot Institute

APRIL 12, 2025

Developments in aircraft design and engine technology have allowed us to fly farther, faster, and carry more payload. They are designed with a special shape called an airfoil, which encourages passing air to turn and deflect downward. The principle is the same whether the aircraft gets thrust from propellers or jet engines.

Lift 52

Lift Torque Thrust Aileron 52

Pilot Institute

JUNE 12, 2025

Aircraft that transform their wing shape mid-flight might sound like something out of a futuristic sci-fi, but they’re actually as old as the jet age itself. Modern jets favor simpler, stealthier fixed-wing designs. This aircraft was an experimental jet fighter with wings that could be adjusted to different sweep angles on the ground.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Drag Lift Payload 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

The airfoil is a Harry Riblett shape, giving modernized flow separation on the leading edge for a soft stall yet with good lift and drag performance. A significant investment in heavy, water-jet cut steel tooling means repeatedly accurate wings come off the Composite Creations table. lb/sq ft Power loading 10.32

Airplanes 79

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 79