Richard Whitcomb examines a model designed in accordance with his transonic area rule.
In this image from April 20, 1955, Richard Whitcomb examines a model designed in accordance with his transonic area rule. Whitcomb, who was an aerodynamicist at the NACA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, is most famous for his development of the “area rule.” He revolutionized how engineers looked at high-speed drag and impacted the design of virtually every transonic and supersonic aircraft ever built. In recognition of its far-reaching impact, Whitcomb’s area rule was awarded the 1954 Collier Trophy.