WWII-era engineering choices still shape modern combat jet design
A review of aircraft development notes that features pioneered or proven during World War II remain standard on today's fighter and bomber designs.
A survey of aviation history says World War II compressed decades of aircraft development into six years, producing engineering decisions that never left aviation. Some features were invented during the war and appeared on an aircraft for the first time. Others existed in early or experimental form before 1939 but were built in large numbers, tested in combat, and proven reliable during the war years. Postwar jet designers had no reason to look for alternatives, the source says, leaving a permanent mark on how fighters and bombers are built.
Sources
- simpleflying.comSeven Engineering Decisions From WWII Airceaft That Became Permanent Features Of Today's Combat Jets