RC India

 Hi all,

Can anyone clarify the significance of shape of nose of a model (read it as aeromodel ;D). 

What are the advantages or disadvantages of conical nose over round nose and vice versa from aerodynamics/flight charactersitics point-of-view?

Thanks

Nose as in the "cowl" area or the "spinner" area ? Or both ?

We were having this discussion on the field today, about why everyone should get metal spinners, and people were talking about the smaller size spinners from OS that would last forever.

No, it is neither cowl or spinner.  It is nose cone like nose of  jet airliners(for example B-747) or gliders.

Good question! Generally, conical noses are more for Aero dynamic performance for high speed jets, Wondering why huge carriers have round nose  :headscratch: they can also be made conical right :headscratch: Asthetics  :headscratch: ;D

Conical or pointed nose is always better from aerodynamics point of view. The reason is quite obvious. Pointed nose produce less drag and they are aerodynamically streamlined for high speed. Take a look at any super sonic air crafts and their nose is most probably like a sharp pencil. There are technical challenges to construct a pointed nose with acceptable structural strength. Further, pilot's forward view would be highly constrained by the pointed nose. (A reason why the famous Concorde had its nose tipping down)

OTOH,  rounded nose is easier to construct. They have relatively more structural strength than the pointed one. Plus, they could provide ample surface area for pilot's forward view.

So, if you are not into supersonic flight then its wise to consider a rounded nose than a pointed nose. There may be other reasons but these are what strikes me for the moment.

-Ismail

They could have designed retractable conicals for the blunt noses  :giggle: Just kidding. But still a beautiful Idea!  ;D  ;)

but in any case these are not structural members ,bcoz these are made of composite material and can be easily detached and attached ,behind this there will be Wx radar for commair and lookdown shootdown radar for fighters,and also some other antennas like glide slope ant ,transponder ant etc
typical f16 radar dome
another a320

Hey Praveeen, Hows your leg dude? Hope you are doing fine and enjoying the sight of Nurses in the hospital :giggle: You at home or using your lappy from hospital?

hey gud to hear u ,well ya enjoyed in hospital and back in home, doc as advised 6 weeks rest ,god damid wat to do? but as u r advice i have ordered sim cable from Mr Sai but still let me see how far i can passsssssssssssssssssssssssss the time ;D

Ya, sim kinda gets boring if you play more than 2 hours per day. BTW good to hear you are back home! Will meet you there sometime when Iam free!

Sure man ! did u visited jakkur yesterday?

In the olden days of prop driven planes the shape of the nose was dictated by the choice of powerplant. Like if a radial or roatary engine was chosen there was no way the nose could be pointed to increase aerodynamic efficiancy(like FW 190 or P 47). Similalry if a inline engine was choosen it made no sense to have the nose blunt (say Spitfire/Hurricane/Bf 109).There were couple of airplanes which underwent powerplant change which resulted in change in nose profile as well. What Ismail has said makes perfect sense in case of modern day jet era.