10/31/2007. Remarks by Johan Visschedijk: "The Supercritical Wing (SCW) was designed by Dr. Richard Whitcomb, chief of the Transonic Aerodynamics Branch, Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia. Compared to a conventional wing, the SCW is flatter on the top and rounder on the bottom with a downward curve at the trailing edge. This design reduces the effect of shock waves on the upper surface near Mach 1, which in turn reduces drag.

A standard F-8A (BuNo. 141353) was supplied by the USN, North American produced the wing in 1969, and the aircraft was modified by NASA at the Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. The first flight took place on March 9, 1971, with Tom McMurtry at the controls, the last flight was made on May 23, 1973."