Reply by Authors to F. Aulehla and G. Besigk

Abstract

T basic purpose of the investigations reported in Ref. 1 and our current paper appears to have been missed by Aulehla and Besigk. It was not to assess the accuracy of their model drag coefficients, since we are aware of the problem in using the trapezoidal method of integration with inadequate pressure orifices. The purpose was to determine if large incremental changes in afterbody drag due to afterbody configuration changes would be compensated by a change in forebody drag as has been stated. If so, the standard wind tunnel testing technique used during the configurational development phase of an aircraft development program would lead to erroneous conclusions. Again, the results presented in Figs. 11-13 of Ref. 1 and Figs. 16-18 of our paper provide a solid basis for the validity of the testing technique. However, as we have always noted, caution must be used in