Ask an Explainer
Q:
What is the aerodynamics behind cobra maneuver of a fighter jet?
A:
Pugachev's Cobra is a demanding maneuver in which the jet becomes vertical in the same horizontal path it was flying before. One may wonder how the jet keeps flying when there is no chance of creating lift. The secret lies in the engines. The pilot boosts power to essentially turn the craft into a rocket, using thrust to keep the plane from crashing even as it stalls. This maneuver is very dangerous and can only be performed in high powered and very maneuverable aircraft, like fighter jets.
Posted on July 10, 2014 at 6:22 pm
Categories: