With a sweep of 90 degrees I suppose one would assume (that's a double
assumption - so sue me) that the wings are now neatly tucked behind
their hinge points. However, to assume the AOA is now zero implies
there is no change in horizontal stabilizer setting. Some aft stick
input will cause the fuselage and the fully swept back wings to achieve
an AOA and thus generate lift. Now since it is possible to fly straight
ahead and maintain level flight at a 90 degree bank - knife flight,
often seen at air shows - the fuselage side area generates the
necessary lift. 500 KIAS, forward stick to maintain heading, aileron
as required and a fair amount of top rudder to attain the requisite
fuselage AOA did the trick in the F4. Also, I remember from my college
javelin hurling days how that pointy cylinder, released with a slight
AOA, could indeed sail and thus fly farther than a straight zero AOA
throw.
Walt BJ
