The wingbox is an important part of nearly all fixed-wing airplanes. It forms the structural center of an airplane’s wings while simultaneously allowing for the use of other wing parts like flaps and wingtips. It’s known as the “wingbox” because it’s shaped like a box. The box runs through the wings and into the fuselage. Here are five facts about wingboxes that may surprise you.
#1) One of the Strongest Parts of an Airplane
The wingbox is one of the strongest parts of an airplane. It serves as the mounting surface for the wings. Therefore, the wingbox must be able to withstand the load of the wings. Designing a structurally sound airplane requires the use of a strong wingbox.
#2) Typically Made of Carbon Fiber
In the past, most wingboxes were made of stainless steel, but you can now find these essential aerospace parts made of carbon fiber. Most wingboxes, in fact, are now made of carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is prized for its strength-to-weight ratio. Stainless steel is strong as well, but it weighs more than its carbon fiber counterpart. With its high strength-to-weight ratio, carbon fiber has become the preferred choice of material for wingboxes.
#3) Attaches to Landing Gear
You might be surprised to learn that landing gear is oftentimes attached to the wingbox. The wings, of course, attach to the sides of the wingbox. But landing gear may attach to the underside of the wingbox as well. The wingbox is installed in the rear section of the fuselage, making it an ideal mount point for landing gear.
#4) Not the Same as Box Spars
Wingboxes aren’t the same as box spars. Box spars are box-shaped skeletal frames for wings. All airplanes have spars. Box spars live up to their namesake by consisting of a box-shaped frame. Wingboxes, in comparison, are box-shaped structural units to which the wing, as well as landing gear, attach. Aside from featuring a similar shape, wingboxes and box spars are completely different.
#5) Available as a Single Piece
Airbus recently developed a single-piece wingbox made of carbon fiber. The European aerospace manufacturing company unveiled it in 2017. With only a single piece, Airbus says the new carbon-fiber wingbox will cost 20% less to manufacture.
Wingboxes are important. They form the structural center of an airplane’s wings, and they are used to mount the wings and landing gear.
