What measure(s) can be taken to reduce the drag at transonic and supersonic air speeds? Reduce the tip chord of the wing, Increase the sweep angle of the wing, Reduce the thickness of the airfoil,
Increase the aspect ratio of the wing.
To reduce drag at transonic and supersonic air speeds, the following measures can be taken:
1. Increase the sweep angle of the wing: Increasing the sweep angle reduces the wave drag generated at high speeds. Swept-back wings help to delay the onset of shockwaves, thereby reducing the drag.
2. Reduce the thickness of the airfoil: A thinner airfoil creates less drag because it encounters fewer disturbances from shockwaves and helps to minimize wave drag. Thinner airfoils are more effective at higher speeds.
3. Increase the aspect ratio of the wing: Higher aspect ratio wings (long and slender) are more effective at reducing drag at high speeds. They have a lower induced drag and produce fewer shockwaves along the span.
4. Implement winglet or wingtip devices: The use of winglets or wingtip devices can help reduce drag by decreasing the formation of vortices at the wingtip. These devices improve the aerodynamics at the edges of the wings, resulting in reduced induced drag.
Note that reducing the tip chord of the wing is not specifically helpful in reducing drag at transonic and supersonic speeds; it is more effective for improving low-speed performance. Therefore, out of the options listed, reducing the tip chord of the wing would not be a measure to specifically reduce drag at transonic and supersonic speeds.