To an observer, the massive, spinning airflow that sometimes trails behind a plane is a beautiful sight. But to NASA, this airflow—known as a wingtip vortex—was a problem in need of exploration.
The vortices, which appeared behind the wings of their aircraft, could be quite dangerous for a pursuant plane: they could make this second aircraft unstable, sometimes causing sudden rolls and altitude dips.
NASA knew how the vortices were created: planes generate lift through the difference in air pressure between the top and bottom…The post Watch a Swirly, Colorful NASA Vortex Test From the ’70s appeared first on FeedBox.