Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

So this is more of a nagging question than looking for help with a project. I've had this in my head for many years. I have taken my son to lots of air shows, mostly WWII shows. One thing that has always bugged me is the wing design of these war-birds.

Take a P-40 Warhawk "Flying Tiger" fighter. By today's standards, the wings look like the were put on backwards. In other words, the leading edge of the wings is straight and the tailing edge is tapered back. Like a reverse delta wing. This particular plane topped out at a speed of 320 MPH, but I can't help but wonder, what if you take a plane like that and reverse the wings like modern jets? What would this do to the aerodynamics, maneuverability and speed of planes like these? This would be a interesting college project if they have software that simulates these types of forces.

This question applies to many planes from WWII such as the Mustang, Spitfire, Messerschmidts and more.

The Ask the Expert forums are for students (and their teachers and parents) who are doing hands-on science projects. There are a limited number of experts and they are all volunteers. There are other sites on the internet where your questions would be more appropriate.

Thank you,
Madeline
Moderator