That's a good one, I was stumped for sure. I can't help but think the guy that first started talking symmetrical wings and laminar flow was laughed at by the semisymmetrical old design guys. NACA I would guess pushed the US passed the accepted wing design practice of the day with their extensive test program. I
Randy, a lot guys go to wiki or where ever to find out about certain aircraft, but for some reason, most do not read the design and development sections. There is a ton of good info there and really gives you a perspective on what the designer was thinking, or what he was required to do.
One of the interesting things that I have read is the problem with F4U design and their problems with carrier deck landings. It was soloved by simply replaceing the "oleo" strut pressure relief valve, with one from the F6F, which had a "tapered" pressure relief valve in the "oleo" system and lo, most of the problems when away. Mr. Bob Knox, who flew F4U's during the Korean conflict, once told me that daytime, VFR landings where no big deal, but at night, was a whole new ball game. He told me once that as he approached the end of the carrier, he shifted his view to the bridge area at night to make sure he had the right attitude of the aircraft before touchdown and it was no problem. He flew 21 combat sorties, but one day, on the slick deck step, he slipped and broke his arm and had to return to the states.
