alt Hacker NewsMy read is that they're announcing a plan to build non-folding wings to test the geometry they would eventually want with folding wings. Which makes sense but isn't very exciting.
My read is that they're announcing a plan to build non-folding wings to test the geometry they would eventually want with folding wings. Which makes sense but isn't very exciting.
It's not just geometry, it's also where the mass is. And the rigid areas.
Aircraft wings oscillate during flight, the location (and movement) of mass within them (e.g. fuel) is critical to model.
Also, the location of the fold is likely less flexible (e.g. more rigid) than the remainder of the wing. This will greatly affect the dihedral angle of the remaining outboard portion of the wing.