Question

Supersonic wave drag can be reduced by using ____________

(a) area rule

(b) drag ruling

(c) lift augmentation

(d) drag augmentation

I got this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

My question is based upon Configuration Layout topic in section Configuration Layout Considerations of Aircraft Design

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) area rule

The explanation is: R. whitcomb had developed a method to reduce the supersonic drag. The method is known as area ruling or area rule. In this method overall volume distribution of components are altered in such way that the resultant body should provide less drag.