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This research paper shows that for a given aspect ratio and wing area, compared to a monoplane a biplane produced a better L/D. So, wouldn't it make more sense to manufacture biplanes for subsonic flight instead when size and wingspan restrictions are involved?

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    $\begingroup$ Without reading the 100+ pages, could you point to the section where it's claimed that biplanes produce better L/D than monoplanes? That claim runs contrary to what I've always understood. There's much more interface drag for a biplane, and the wings also interfere with each other. Both lead to more D for the same amount of L. $\endgroup$ Jun 10 at 12:16
  • $\begingroup$ @KennSebesta, most of the paper just consists of appendices and the whole thing is just a wind tunnel test experiment, if you want the cliff notes for the lower L/D, check out the conclusion section. $\endgroup$ Jun 10 at 13:41
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  • $\begingroup$ So, is the research paper wrong when it claims that biplanes have a lower L/D for a given wing area and aspect ratio? $\endgroup$ Jun 10 at 18:56
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    $\begingroup$ I don't think anyone here is going to read a random paper to refute it. It's entirely possible that the linked masters thesis highlights a very specific point where biplanes could conceivably do better. I think if you want an answer here, you need to rephrase the question with the specific point in question so we can address it. $\endgroup$ Jun 11 at 12:09

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