F/A-18E/F transsonic wing-drop problem solved

F/A-18E/F transsonic wing-drop problem solved
writes Flight International in its current issue on page 24.

With a five inch high wing fence! Instead of those porous wing-fold covers.
What was the last supersonic jet with a wing fence? F-100D? Su-22? F-5F?
F/A-18C/D had strake-fences, Super-H gets full grown wing-fences.

First words about that – potential – solution were heard in late April at the SETP symposium: “F/A-18 E/F Transonic Flying Qualities Overview” was presented by VX-23 Navy Lt. Bill Thames, Peter Dougherty of Air 4.11.1.1 and Kelan Sisk of Air 4.11.1.2. They discussed the original and follow-on testing of solutions to the original “wing drop” flying qualities problem. The solution consists of a full-chord wing “fence” near the location of the F/A-18’s wing fold-up hinge, as well as a new sawtooth edge configuration for the leading edge flap; these change significantly decrease or eliminate the buffeting that severely compromised the aircraft in high-angle-of-attack situations.”

Those fences have always been the signature of a fu**ed-up wing design.
Anyway, fences will be fitted to all 200+ existing and 200+ future Super-Hs, Flight says.