What about this US finding on 21F?
One of the most significant findings was the discovery that below 15,000 feet, the aircraft could not go supersonic. At low altitude, the severe buffeting simply prevented it from exceeding airspeeds of 685 mph or .98 Mach. This airspeed limitation was a major exploitable design flaw.
John Lowery is a veteran Air Force fighter pilot and freelance writer. He is author of five books on aircraft performance and aviation safety.
Can it be true ? Fighter with 57 deg sweep and 4.5% thick profile that experiences such a buffeting that can’t exceed .98 Mach?
I have more faith in what “Fighter Performance in Practice” book says.
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