Question

Which of the following is correct?

(a) Tail sweep is generally more than wing sweep

(b) Tail sweep is generally same as wing sweep

(c) Tail sweep is always ten times of wing sweep

(d) Tail sweep is generally less than wing sweep

The question was posed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.

Enquiry is from Tail Geometry and Arrangement in chapter Airfoil and Geometry Selection of Aircraft Design

Answer 1

Right choice is (a) Tail sweep is generally more than wing sweep

For explanation I would say: Tail sweep is the sweep angle provided to tail. In general, tail sweep is more than wing sweep. Higher sweep at tail than wing sweep will increase critical mach number of the tail. Hence, it will delay shock formation at tail.