Forward-swept wings are credited with agility near transonic speeds. Ju 287 and Sukhoi's continuing interest provide experimental examples. One panelist compares Sukhoi's pursuit of the configuration with Grumman's interest in flying wings. Su-47 prompts disagreement over the meaning of success. Flying without catastrophe and achieving its test objectives count as sufficient success for one participant, while another questions that standard.
Notable Point · 4:10:59-4:12:19
Forward-swept wings, Ju 287 and Su-47
Ju 287 and Su-47 raise questions about forward-swept wings and what counts as a successful experimental aircraft.