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Smoke generators show the twisting paths of wingtip vortices behind two NASA Dryden F/A-18 jets used in the Autonomous Formation Flight (AFF) program Smoke generators show the twisting paths of wingtip vortices behind two NASA Dryden F/A-18 jets used in the Autonomous Formation Flight (AFF) program

Photo Number: EC01-0328-3
Photo Date: November 9, 2001

Formats: 524x480 JPEG Image (55 KBytes)
1117x1023 JPEG Image (434 KBytes)
3000x2750 JPEG Image (5,283 KBytes)

Description: Smoke generators show the twisting paths of wingtip vortices behind two NASA Dryden F/A-18 jets used in the Autonomous Formation Flight (AFF) program. A vortex is a spiraling current of air emanating from aircraft wingtips as they fly. By mapping the vortex pattern and using sophisticated software to put the trailing aircraft in the optimum location, the energy of the vortex could result in fuel savings for the follower aircraft of 15 percent or more.

NASA Photo by: Carla Thomas

Keywords: AFF; Autonomous Formation Flight; F-18; F/A-18; smoke generators


Last Modified: February 6, 2002
Responsible NASA Official: Marty Curry
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