Biplane vs. Triplane?

[Real Goblin]

Not necessarily in a duel such as in WWI, but what are the advantages of a triplane over a biplane and vice versa?

[Fork_Q2]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triplane#Design_principles

"A triplane arrangement has a narrower wing chord than a biplane of similar span and area. This gives each wing-plane a slender appearance with higher aspect ratio, making it more efficient and giving increased lift. This potentially offers a faster rate of climb and tighter turning radius, both of them important in a fighter. The Sopwith Triplane was a successful example, having the same wing span as the equivalent biplane, the Sopwith Pup.

Alternatively, a triplane has reduced span compared to a biplane of given wing area and aspect ratio, leading to a more compact and lightweight structure. This potentially offers better maneuverability for a fighter, and higher load-capacity with more practical ground handling for a large aircraft type."

[Zespri]

A T-rex. Nothing beats a T-rex.

[Fork_Q2]

Originally posted by Zespri:

A T-rex. Nothing beats a T-rex.

Cthulhu.

[Real Goblin]

Originally posted by Fork_Q2:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triplane#Design_principles

"A triplane arrangement has a narrower wing chord than a biplane of similar span and area. This gives each wing-plane a slender appearance with higher aspect ratio, making it more efficient and giving increased lift. This potentially offers a faster rate of climb and tighter turning radius, both of them important in a fighter. The Sopwith Triplane was a successful example, having the same wing span as the equivalent biplane, the Sopwith Pup.

Alternatively, a triplane has reduced span compared to a biplane of given wing area and aspect ratio, leading to a more compact and lightweight structure. This potentially offers better maneuverability for a fighter, and higher load-capacity with more practical ground handling for a large aircraft type."

But due to the extra drag, a biplane could outrun a triplane in most cases, right?

[grounded in reality]

Originally posted by Fork_Q2:

Originally posted by Zespri:

A T-rex. Nothing beats a T-rex.

Cthulhu.

aben

[Fork_Q2]

Originally posted by FunnyFarm:

Originally posted by Fork_Q2:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triplane#Design_principles

"A triplane arrangement has a narrower wing chord than a biplane of similar span and area. This gives each wing-plane a slender appearance with higher aspect ratio, making it more efficient and giving increased lift. This potentially offers a faster rate of climb and tighter turning radius, both of them important in a fighter. The Sopwith Triplane was a successful example, having the same wing span as the equivalent biplane, the Sopwith Pup.

Alternatively, a triplane has reduced span compared to a biplane of given wing area and aspect ratio, leading to a more compact and lightweight structure. This potentially offers better maneuverability for a fighter, and higher load-capacity with more practical ground handling for a large aircraft type."

But due to the extra drag, a biplane could outrun a triplane in most cases, right?

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

From what I just read from Bi-Plane's entry on Wikipedia thus making me an expert on the matter, that seemed to be the case with bi-plane vs monoplane. It wouldn't be a stretch to assume that tri-planes produced more drag at higher speeds.

[SillyWalk]

Originally posted by wash yo profamity:

Originally posted by Fork_Q2:

Originally posted by Zespri:

A T-rex. Nothing beats a T-rex.

Cthulhu.

:gmod:aben

A triplaza tetraplane with a T-rex, Cthulhu and Gaben.

[Zespri]

Originally posted by SillyWalk:

Originally posted by wash yo profamity:

:gmod:aben

A triplaza tetraplane with a T-rex, Cthulhu and Gaben.

Me gusta.

[Rubik748]

Originally posted by Zespri:

A T-rex. Nothing beats a T-rex.

Gigantasaur. End of.

[UniKitty]

Octoplane, son.