Ask A Scientist© Engineering Archive

Index Key:   ENG005
Author:      mike meador, chris deangelis, chris rychlik
Subject:     Aerodynamics and saucers.
Would it be fuel efficient to use flying saucers, and would it be practical
aerodynamically?

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      wildman jackson
The fuel efficiency question would be answered by the aerodynamic question,
and upon what means of propulsion used.  The characteristic shape of saucers
would make sense to me aerodynamically.  The entire key is to prevent the
flow around the body from separating (breaking off from the body).  This
lowers the drag, which increases the efficiency.  A tractor trailer has
immense drag due to the trailer suddenly ending in a flat wall.  An Indy car
keeps the flow attached much better due to its smooth shape.  
     Actually, some flying saucers have already been made into "planes," but
where never useful except for research purposes.  The B-2 Stealth Bomber is
about the closest thing to a flying saucer that actually flies well.
Of course, on a real plane, so to say, there has to be many control surfaces 
(i.e. flaps, rudders, etc.) so the plane does not crash.  All of those
classic UFO pictures of saucers are all unreasonable.