What does it mean when a plane rocks its wings?
INTERCEPTING Aircraft Signals DAY-Rocking wings from a position slightly above and ahead of, and normally to the left of, the intercepted aircraft and, after acknowledgement, a slow level turn, normally to the left, on to the desired heading.
Can a flying wing go supersonic?
The flying wing concept is mostly suited to subsonic aircraft. No supersonic flying wing has ever been built.
Do any flying wings still exist?
Unfortunately, the short answer is “no.” The U.S. Air Force reports that all of the XB-35s and the YB-49s were scrapped by 1953; Northrop’s beautiful flying wings today exist only in reports and photographs.
Why do fighter jets rock their wings?
To make initial contact, the intercepting aircraft will rock its wings and flash its navigation lights at irregular intervals. This means “you have been intercepted, follow me”. To respond, the pilots of the intercepted aircraft must also rock their wings, flash their lights and then proceed to follow the military jet.
What do you squawk when intercepted?
Attempt to establish radio communications with the intercepting aircraft or with the appropriate ATC facility by making a general call on guard (121.5 MHz), giving the identity, position, and nature of the flight. 3. If transponder equipped, squawk 7700 unless otherwise instructed by ATC.
Which plane has least drag?
A monoplane has inherently the highest efficiency and lowest drag of any wing configuration and is the simplest to build. However, during the early years of flight, these advantages were offset by its greater weight and lower manoeuvrability, making it relatively rare until the 1930s.
What happened to the YB 49?
The last operational YB-49 prototype was destroyed on 15 March 1950, during high-speed taxi trials at Muroc Field. The nose wheel began to encounter severe vibration problems and finally collapsed; the aircraft was completely destroyed in the ensuing fire.
Why was the flying wing discontinued?
Referring to the Air Force’s 1949 cancellation of his Flying Wing aircraft, Mr. Northrop alleged that the cancellation was not the result of any valid concerns about the aircraft itself, but rather was a retaliation for his refusal to agree to an improper demand by the Air Force .