vorticism wrote: ↑01 Mar 2022, 23:29
..... If this front exit duct is open, less air travelling through the main sidepod inlet moves through the radiators and sidepods generally (assumption). So, in cooler weather, they open up this bypass duct and reduce stagnation in front of the main inlet. In hotter weather, they close it to force all inlet air through the radiators. If they can tune it this way they wouldn't need to manufacture multiple engine cover geometries for different weather conditions, only change the relatively small 'bypass' panels on either side.
Could be, but I think the idea that it's meant to control the flow over the top of the sidepod is probably a bigger part of its purpose.
I wasn't sure where I recognized the ridge shape on the side of the inlet from until I happened upon a shot of the Dassault Rafale while browsing for something else.
https://www.airliners.net/photo/France- ... /1726647/L
I think Kyle Engineers' theory that it was to induce a vortice is only kinda true, I think it's supposed to split the side flow from the top flow.