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Richard Whitcomb with Area Rule Wind Tunnel Model

Aviation Pioneer Richard Whitcomb worked at the Langley Research Center throughout his exceptionally prolific life. His first major breakthrough was the development of the "area rule," which dramatically reduced drag, particularly at high speeds. He won the Collier Trophy on December 18, 1954, in recognition of this breakthrough. Whitcomb is shown here in the Langley 8-Ft Transonic Wind Tunnel with an Area Ruled Aircraft test model. Whitcomb later went on to develop the supercritical airfoil and winglets.

 

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Credit: NASA

Image Number: LAL-89118

Date: April 20, 1955

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Uploaded on April 20, 2025
Taken on April 20, 1955