What are the benefits of a 'cranked arrow' delta wing?

Question

What are the benefits of the 'cranked arrow' delta wing that was used on the variant of the F-16, the F-16XL? Sourceenter link description here

Answer 1

There are a few reasons for choosing the cranked delta wing, as used in F-16 XL. The main one is to maintain comparable performances in the supersonic and sub/transonic speeds- a reason similar to the variable geometry wings, like one used in F-111, with the same disadvantages. According to NASA,

The new wing, common for both the -1 and -2 versions, was designed to provide the F-16 aircraft with improved supersonic performance while maintaining comparable transonic performance to that provided by the current F-16 design.

Basically, you want to have good performance in the subsonic regime- improving the low speed handling and acceptable landing characteristics (the delta wings are not exactly known for that) and in supersonic regime- low aspect ratio and low drag. The result is a compromise, which is more often than not, more trouble than it is worth. From this paper:

When compared to a delta wing, a double delta wing and cranked arrow wing planforms indicate higher aerodynamic performance and maneuverability at high angles of attack, because a vortex generated from the strake wing (or the inboard wing) stabilizes the flow on the main wing (or the outboard ing) .. . furthermore, the outboard wing leading-edge that has smaller sweepback angle than that of the inboard wing increases the wing aspect ratio as a whole and low-speed performance is improved.

Another issue with the cranked delta wings is its tendency to pitch up at high angles of attack.

Answer 2

The main benefits are:

• High root thickness, so the wing can be made stiffer and stronger where the loads are highest.
• Better pitch stability in the post-stall region, so no AoA limit needs to be observed. The X-31 could maneuver with thrust vectoring only because its cranked arrow delta wing was more or less neutral in pitch over the full AoA range. A simple delta wing produces strong pitch-up moments in the post-stall region wich would quickly overpower the moments possible with thrust vectoring.