variable-geometry fighters

[Hcube]

Hey, i was just looking at the design of some variable wing geometry aircrafts (panavia tornado for example), and i wondered :

When you have missiles or bombs attached on the pylons under the wing, sharp end pointing into the airstream, what if you retract the wings back in supersonic flight position ? Then the missiles wouldn't be facing the airstream anymore but would be angled instead, probably creating some nasty turbulences....

So what happens ? Do the pylons turn in the opposite direction ?

[SargeRho]

Yep, on the Tornado, and I think also the F-111, the Pylons are linked to the swing-wing mechanism, and rotate to always face forward.

On the F-14, the Pylons are all mounted to the fuselage, with none on the wings.

[Hcube]

Yep, on the Tornado, and I think also the F-111, the Pylons are linked to the swing-wing mechanism, and rotate to always face forward.

On the F-14, the Pylons are all mounted to the fuselage, with none on the wings.

That's great ! Thanks !