When properly implemented, a NACA duct allows air to flow into an internal duct, often for cooling purposes, with a minimal disturbance to the flow. The design was originally called a submerged inlet, since it consists of a shallow ramp with curved walls recessed into the exposed surface of a streamlined body, such as an
aircraft. This type of flush inlet generally cannot achieve the greater ram pressures and flow volumes of an external design, and so is rarely used for the
jet engine intake application for which it was originally designed, such as the
North American YF-93 and
Short SB.4 Sherpa. It is commonly used for piston engine and ventilation intakes. ==Automobile applications==