Why do the look so cool?

Question

Why is it that fighter jets look so cool

Answer 1

they are beefy,  muscular, macho, boys toys

Even the uglier ones have that raw power that makes them attractive.

Answer 2

Because, they are so inherently cool, you can't hide it. Just look at earlier fighters (P-51 Mustang, P-38 Lightning). They were cool before cool was cool.

Answer 3

They are just simply cool they rock

http://www.aviationearth.com/AircraftDat...

Answer 4

First off, they are not aerodynamic.  A raindrop is the perfect aerodynamic shape and there is no resemblance.  In fact begining with the YF-16 they are intentionally designed to be somewhat, aerodynamically unstable by design and couldn't be flown aggressively without the aid of computers.

Secondly there is nothing in nature that has those sharp lines and angles.  That's what camouflage is all about, eliminate straight lines to look natural.

I think fighter aircraft have special mystique and perhaps the newer ones, in each generation, being more advanced and capable maintain top position.  While I love to watch bewitching performances like this, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai7eaDeRl... or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeiqMn7xb... or the most awesome yet, the SU-30, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORXhn5B4_...  (BUT..... I love the sound of a flight of WWII prop types and go completely soft kneed when I hear that diesel train sound of a P-38 taxing.)

Today's angular 'sleek' design, first appeared in science fiction comics but they didn't stir any special emotion.  But when you see an F-16 or one of them other bad boy's taxing down the ramp, you know, that is an awesome piece of machinery.

So My answer is, it's a special mystique but you must have some knowledge of it's capability to really appreciate it.

Answer 5

I think we associate that shape with speed and power.

1) Most creatures in nature with that shape earn a certain amount of respect (sharks, for example), so that is in our genes  

2) We grow up knowing that jets are fast and powerful

Why do wide tires look cool on a car? Because we know most cars with wide tires have a lot of power.

Answer 6

They don`t look so "cool" when dropping bombs on you,,,

Answer 7

Like Paul here said, there's just something basic in our nature that notices that curved, sleek look. It's a trait that animals we want to avoid and an attraction that's special for men is that it's a trait that a lot of aircraft share with women. That's why we name fighters "Falcon" and "Eagle". There's something in an aircraft that reminds us of these things. It just happens to be that aerodynamic equals beautiful. They say that if a plane doesn't look good, it won't fly well. I think also that there's an association built by knowing what they can do. Every kid who's run around with a toy fighter, imagining it flying is building that understanding that these are powerful, amazing machines.And what makes them more impressive iss that it's something a man can master. There's something in us that wants all of those powerful traits. It's just fundamental, like asking "Why are storms and lightning so fascinating?"

Answer 8

In response to that plonker up there, fighter jets don't drop bombs, they use missiles etc.

There are fast jets that drop bombs, but they are not FIGHTER jets.

Answer 9

because you're a boy?

Answer 10

Essentually they are designed to look the part. Aircraft manufacturers have known for a long time that if an aircraft looks good it will fly good. In effect, if an aircraft looks sleek & slippery it probably is... Form & function are joined into one killer package...

Aerodynamics dictate this.

Answer 11

the Happy Murcia,

one can respect *cool* and the design of fighter technology....even in the throes of death dude. I hope you take that feeling to heart and try not to be so PC in future.

Respect the draughtsmanship

Answer 12

Their aerodynamic looks and the aggressiveness that they portray~

Answer 13

Aerodynamics require that it is sleek and able to cut through the air while generating as little air resistance as possible. There are therefore many curves and smooth surfaces this makes it synonymous with fast cars which also look nice

Answer 14

The designers spent a lot of effort trying to capture that look.

Answer 15

Aerodynamics is a very, very simple science. Design an airplane to look great and it'll fly great. Cool huh?