Types of Airplane Wings

14/03/2023 M.Durgut 1207 Views airplane, Wings

Airplane wings, those majestic extensions that propel these marvels of engineering through the air, are not mere appendages; they are intricate creations, each design meticulously crafted to meet specific flight requirements. From the classic straight wing to the sleek delta wing, let’s delve into the fascinating world of types of airplane wings.

Type of Aircraft wings — Types of Airplane Wings-1

Straight wing: Also known as a rectangular wing, this type of wing is the simplest and most common design used in small airplanes. The straight wing has a constant chord (width) from root to tip, and its leading and trailing edges run parallel to each other. Straight wings provide excellent lift and stability, making them ideal for general aviation and training aircraft.

Swept wing: Swept wings are wings that are angled backward along the aircraft’s longitudinal axis. The angle of sweep varies from one aircraft to another, and it can be positive, negative, or zero. Swept wings reduce drag and increase speed by delaying the onset of supersonic shock waves. They are commonly used in military fighter jets and high-speed commercial airliners.

F16, Mirage, Concorde – Delta Wing

Delta wing: The delta wing is a highly swept wing that forms a triangle shape. Delta wings have a high lift-to-drag ratio and excellent maneuverability at low speeds. This design graces the wings of both military powerhouses like the Mirage and F-16, and supersonic pioneers like the Concorde.

Tapered wing: A tapered wing has a chord that gradually decreases from the root to the tip. This design reduces drag and increases lift distribution, making it ideal for high-speed aircraft. Commercial airliners like the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320 frequently utilize tapered wings.

Elliptical wing: The elliptical wing has a rounded shape that reduces drag and improves lift distribution. The Supermarine Spitfire, a World War II fighter aircraft famed for its agility and speed, famously employed this design.

Variable-sweep wing: Also known as a swing-wing, this type of wing can be swept back and forth to change the aircraft’s aerodynamic properties. Variable-sweep wings can provide high lift at low speeds and low drag at high speeds, making them ideal for supersonic aircraft such as the F-14 and the B-1B.

Each type of wing has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the aircraft’s mission and design requirements. Pilots and engineers carefully consider the wing design when selecting an aircraft for a particular task.

Types of Wings — Types of Airplane Wings – 2

References:

“Airplane Wing Design.” Aerospace Engineering Blog, 15 Oct. 2013, aerospaceengineeringblog.com/aircraft-wing-design/.
“Types of Aircraft Wings.” Aircraft Compare, 17 June 2021, aircraftcompare.com/types-of-aircraft-wings/.