|
|
Battle of the X-Planes
|
|
|
|
Viewing Ideas
|
|
|
Before Watching
-
The prototype Joint Strike Fighter had to fit the design
specifications of three different armed service branches: the
Navy, the Air Force, and the Marines. Ask students how each
branch uses airplanes. Why do students think the government
decided to build one plane with multiple uses? What are some
factors to consider when designing a military fighter plane?
(opponents' defenses, use, materials, production costs, and
maintenance and repair). As students watch, have half the class
record the specifications that each branch of the armed services
required and the other half record the special adaptations
included in the two competing models.
After Watching
-
Discuss with students the specifications required by each branch
of the armed services for the Joint Strike Fighter. How
effectively did the two design groups meet all the challenges of
the contract specifications? Which design did students think was
most likely to be chosen? Why? What elements did the chosen
design possess that helped it come out on top?
|
|
