Very high alpha Angle of attack

some military aircraft able achieve controlled flight @ high angles of attack, @ cost of massive induced drag. provides aircraft great agility. famous military example thought pugachev s cobra. although aircraft experiences high angles of attack throughout maneuver, aircraft not capable of either aerodynamic directional control or maintaining level flight until maneuver ends. cobra example of supermaneuvering aircraft s wings beyond critical angle of attack of maneuver.

additional aerodynamic surfaces known high-lift devices including leading edge wing root extensions allow fighter aircraft greater flyable true alpha, on 45°, compared 20° aircraft without these devices. can helpful @ high altitudes slight maneuvering may require high angles of attack due low density of air in upper atmosphere @ low speed @ low altitude margin between level flight aoa , stall aoa reduced. high aoa capability of aircraft provides buffer pilot makes stalling airplane (which occurs when critical aoa exceeded) more difficult. however, military aircraft not obtain such high alpha in combat, robs aircraft of speed due induced drag, , in extreme cases, increased frontal area , parasitic drag. not such maneuvers slow aircraft down, cause significant structural stress @ high speed. modern flight control systems tend limit fighter s angle of attack below maximum aerodynamic limit.