<p>Aviation Pioneer Richard Whitcomb worked at the Langley Research Center throughout his exceptionally prolific life.  His first major breakthrough was the development of the "area rule," which dramatically reduced drag, particularly at high speeds.  Whitcomb is shown here in the Langley 8-Ft Transonic Wind Tunnel with an Area Ruled Aircraft test model.  Whitcomb later went on to develop the supercritical airfoil and winglets.  
</p><p>Photo Number LAL-89118
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<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/23260139144/">Richard Whitcomb with Area Rule Wind Tunnel Model</a>