Expert: Mark Janus - 2/4/2011

Question
Mark,I just want to know the use of canard in fighter planes like in sukhoi-30.
Thank You

Answer
canards on fighter aircraft are generally used as a lift enhancement mechanism... (along with being a pitch control device)...  The flow on the canard creates a vortex at the tip, that vortex placing over the upper surface of the main wing can create a huge addition to lift...

mj