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At the same time, we had a good understanding about aerodynamics in the 1960s and were producing more or less optimized designs. There are some additional optim
by BostonEnginerd 11y ago
At the same time, we had a good understanding about aerodynamics in the 1960s and were producing more or less optimized designs. There are some additional optimizations that we've figured out like sharklets, but overall the design is similar -- at least until we trusted composites enough to use them in aircraft.
Where we have seen a lot of innovation is in the engines -- fuel economy and noise regulations have pushed GE, RR and P&W to up their game substantially.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or5YEhiT_d4&feature=context-gfa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or5YEhiT_d4&feature=context-...
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]
- bediger4000 11y agoThe 747 is only one example. Martin Marietta made and launched Titan space launch vehicles from the early 60s to the early 90s, with only very slight changes and improvements. GD did much the same with the Atlas launch vehicle, and the Centaur upper stage. I will grant that NASA and Douglas/McDonnel Douglas made a lot out of the Thor IRBM, but that seems like a function of NASA Administrators having longer tenure than anything else.