/sci/ - Science & Math

>>3889370
It's a simple way to get some of the same benefits that relaxed stability offers. Of course, modern canards are fly-by-wire anyways, and this does help fine-tune the effect.

Canards do not interfere with large delta-wing layouts, permitting nearly as low wing loadings as tailless deltas offer. And while they usually aren't effective enough to counteract the downward-pitching moment produced by trailing edge flaps, they DO reduce or eliminate the amount of elevon deflection required to reach high AOAs, thus increasing Cl-max significantly over tailless deltas. Additionally, close-coupled canards can act similarly to LERX, delaying stall at very-high AOAs and thus increasing Cl-max even further.

If it's any testament to the aerodynamic advantages of delta-canards, my little analysis above applied to the Eurofighter Typhoon showed that the Typhoon offered nearly identical sustained maneuvering as the F-22, despite the Typhoon's MUCH LOWER thrust:weight ratio.