Joined-Wing Aircraft

摘要

There has been a lot of buzz lately in the dark, hidden circles of the secret aircraft community about so-called "joined-wing" aircraft. Rumors have been flying about diamond-shaped aircraft that can out maneuver anything flying, stay aloft for long periods, and provide stable, stealthy sensor platforms. While not too many details are publicly available, let's look at what just might be the next generation of flying machines. We'll tread the fine line between "secret" and "fantasy," and speculate on what some of these rumors may mean for the future of soaring. If I seem to be missing from my local gliderport this summer, you can assume that the Men In Black took a dim view of my discussing some of their pet projects and spirited me away into isolation somewhere near Area 51.