Dedicated Wingtip Vortex Effect for F-35

[broderbund67]

Just as some modules get their own custom wing vapor effects when pulling G’s, the F-35 should also have a dedicated effect for its wingtip vortex vapor rather than using the generic default. The current effect applied to all aircrafts is too short and fades too quickly, whereas the real F-35 often leaves a distinct, somewhat persistent trail in certain flight regimes.

[Czar]

There is nothing special about F-35's visible wingtip vortex. All planes can leave massive trails IRL and it is dependent on the atmosphere conditions.

The effect should be improved globally actually.

Edited 12 hours ago by Czar

[broderbund67]

Yes, that’s correct, but the intensity and persistence of vortex formation vary significantly between aircraft types. For example, at an airshow I observed the F-35 generating pronounced, sustained wingtip vortex trails, whereas the F-16 produced little to none under the same atmospheric conditions. Extended vortices on the F-16, such as in your first picture, are relatively uncommon. This comes down to aerodynamic factors—specifically wing planform, aspect ratio, and overall lift distribution—which determine how much and how consistently a wing generates vortical flow.

The F-35 has a relatively thick, broad wing with a moderate aspect ratio and significant lift loading, which promotes strong pressure differentials at the tips. That makes vortex generation more pronounced compared to sleeker, higher-aspect ratio designs like the F-16

[Czar]

4 minutes ago, broderbund67 said:

Yes, that’s correct, but the intensity and persistence of vortex formation vary significantly between aircraft types. For example, at an airshow I observed the F-35 generating pronounced, sustained wingtip vortex trails, whereas the F-16 produced little to none under the same atmospheric conditions. Extended vortices on the F-16, such as in your first picture, are relatively uncommon. This comes down to aerodynamic factors—specifically wing planform, aspect ratio, and overall lift distribution—which determine how much and how consistently a wing generates vortical flow.

The F-35 has a relatively thick, broad wing with a moderate aspect ratio and significant lift loading, which promotes strong pressure differentials at the tips. That makes vortex generation more pronounced compared to sleeker, higher-aspect ratio designs like the F-16

Don't ignore the other images especially the Eagle.

There is nothing pointing at the F-35 to have its own effect instead of improving the global effect.

 

Even airliners can display crazy vortexes without pulling Gs.

[broderbund67]

Yes, in humid conditions the F-15 will often show vortices, but the F-35 is notable because you can sometimes see them even in dry environments, like desert airshows, where other jets wouldn’t produce visible trails. I’m not saying the F-35 is “special” in that sense, but its vortices do appear more frequently and tend to last longer. That comes down to wing geometry and loading, combined with weather conditions. For the same humidity, the F-35’s vortices are generally more visible.

• F-15: Strong, but short-lived wingtip trails.

• F-35: More persistent, longer trails due to wing loading and geometry.

• F/A-18: Heavy vapor overall, but mainly from leading-edge and body vortices rather than wingtips.

[Czar]

All my time nerding out on aircraft footage, I haven't seen anything different on the F-35 in that regard.

Feel free to post direct comparisons in the same atmosphere conditions. It is going a bit to the realm of 'nobody cares that much', especially something regarding wingtip vortexes. Doubtful if something comes in that regard with the 35.

A global improvement would be nice, as in less sensitive to occurrence and longer trails.
 

 

Edited 12 hours ago by Czar

[broderbund67]

Of course, it's just a detail but for me it's very characteristic of this plane. Applying the same effect to all aircrafts in DCS is inaccurate because it does not occur at the same frequency and it looks different depending on wing design.

Here are some direct comparisons below.

 F-35 in formation with an f-16 at the end of the video. No vortices for the F-16 

 

F-22 in formation with the f-35, not trail on the F-22:

F-22, A-10, F-15 and F-35 in formation: