Aerodynamic Design and Flying Controls: A Description of the Design Philosophy as it Applies to Wings, High Lift Devices, Engine Intakes and Flying Controls and an Account of the Mode of Operation of the Aircraft's Flying Control Circuits

THE aerodynamic design of a transport aircraft is fixed by the functions it is intended to fulfil. When the Trident 1 design was begun the aim was to provide a performance that would make it the ultimate subsonic short range jet, able to remain in front‐line service for at least ten years. Maximum effort was therefore concentrated on achieving low drag at high Mach numbers with good handling qualities to match. Comet experience had shown the value of good low speed handling qualities, and so a continuous programme of wind tunnel and flight testing has been carried through to combine the requirements of high Mach number cruising speeds with those of a competitive CLmax. and an acceptable stall pattern, using, as far as possible, relatively simple and well tried high lift devices.