The wings are an important part of airplanes. Whether it’s a small Cessna or a 172 or a jumbo-sized Airbus A320, most airplanes have two wings. They originate from around the middle of the fuselage and extend outward. Even if you’re familiar with their design, however, you might be surprised to learn the following facts about airplane wings.
#1) Generate Lift and Drag
Wings generate both lift and drag. Lift is the invisible force that counters gravity and allows airplanes to fly. As air flows over and under an airplane’s wings, lift is generated. The pressure differential results in an upward pushing or “lifting” action. Drag, on the other hand, is the invisible force that opposes an object in motion. It’s caused by aerodynamic resistance. All parts of airplanes, including the wings, generate drag.
#2) Efficiency Is Measured in Lift-to-Drag Ratio
The efficiency of an airplane’s wings is measured in lift-to-drag ratio. This represents the amount of lift the wings generate relative to the drag they generate. A high lift-to-drag ratio indicates the wings are efficient. They generate a lot of lift and minimal drag, which is ideal.
#3) Available in Different Shapes
Not all wings are straight. While straight wings are common with smaller airplanes, commercial jets and other large airplanes often feature swept wings. Swept wings are characterized by an angled shape. They extend outward and backward from the airplane’s fuselage. There are also triangular wings, known as delta wings, on supersonic airplanes.
#4) Carbon Fiber Construction
In the past, wings were typically made of aluminum. While many airplanes still feature aerospace-grade aluminum wings, many are now made with carbon fiber wings. Composite materials, such as carbon fiber, are lighter than aluminum. With their lightweight properties, they have better strength-to-weight ratios, which translates into improved fuel efficiency.
#5) Flexible
Contrary to popular belief, airplane wings aren’t rigid; they are flexible. They need to be flexible so that they can bend slightly during flight. As the primary lifting surfaces, wings are exposed to a lot of stress during flight. Their flexible properties reduces structural stress and protects them from damage. Some wings, in fact, can bend and flex up to 26 feet, which is completely normal and even beneficial.
#6) High vs Low Wings
Wings can be classified as high or low depending on where they connect to the fuselage. High wings connect to the top of the fuselage, whereas low wings connect to the bottom of the fuselage. With high wings, airplanes have better ground clearance, making them ideal for cargo planes. Low wings, in comparison, offer better stability.
