Actually, those humpback fuel tanks were studied by both Mikoyan and Sukhoi in great details in the late 80s/early 90s. They were studying positions to add CFTs and their shapes. They found this have to least impact (next to nothing) effect in performance. But, I agree with you: they look ugly.JayS wrote:I hate that UPG humpback fuel tanks. Ugly as buffalo.
The Original MiG29 was the true blue hotrod dog fighter. And all that maneuverability with no FBW was sheer engineering marvel. Not even Su27 could match that, in my books.
But damn, is the plane ugly or what when it comes to aero surface finish..? I wonder if someone could have built MiG29 with French built quality, what would that have looked like.
In terms of looks, I find the Mirage 2000, Mig-29, Su-30, F-16s and Jaguars the best looking aircraft. You and me have discussed at length just how aerodynamically beautiful the Mig-29 is. That was the singular focus of its designers. Given today's stress on stealth, I don't think we will see such a pure aerodynamical delight in our lifetimes.