Aerospace design encompasses many different concepts, one of which is wing planform. All fixed-wing aircraft have a wing planform. It represents the shape of a fixed-wing aircraft. But wing planform affects more than just the aircraft’s appearance. To learn more about wing planform and why it’s importance, keep reading.
The Basics of Wing Planform
What is wing planform exactly? Wing planform is the outline of an airplane and its wings when viewed from underneath or above the airplane. It affects the wing span, aspect ratio and overall shape of the airplane’s wings.
You can view an airplane’s wing planform by looking up at the sky as the airplane flies overhead. The airplane’s wing planform is the outline of its wings. It’s essentially a silhouette of the airplane — assuming you view the airplane from above or below. Viewing the airplane from the side won’t reveal its wing planform. Rather, you must view the airplane from above or below.
Common types of wing planforms include the following:
- Tapered
- Rectangular
- Sweptback
- Delta
- Elliptical
Why Wing Planform Is Important
All airplanes and other fixed-wing aircraft have a wing planform. It affects their aerodynamics. Some airplanes are more aerodynamic than others. They feature a more streamlined wing planform that reduces drag.
The wing planform of an airplane will also affect its lift distribution. The wings, of course, generate lift during flight. The shape of an airplane’s wings, however, will determine how this lift is distributed.
Fuel efficiency is affected by wing planforms. Aerodynamic wing planforms are typically more efficient than their counterparts. They allow airplanes to conserve fuel by reducing drag and improving aerodynamics.
Wing Planforms and Aspect Ratios
With wing planform, you’ll have a better understanding of the airplane’s aspect ratio. Aspect ratio is the span of an airplane’s wings divided by its mean. In other words, it’s a measurement for how long and slender the airplane’s wings are.
Some airplanes have a low aspect ratio. Other airplanes have a moderate or high aspect ratio. A low aspect ratio means the airplane’s wings are short and fat. A medium aspect ratio means the airplane’s wings have a moderate length and thickness. A high aspect ratio, conversely, means the airplane’s wings are long and slender.
In Conclusion
Wing planform is the silhouette of an airplane’s wings when viewed from underneath or above the airplane. It’s not just an aesthetic feature; it can affect the airplane’s aerodynamics, lift distribution and fuel efficiency.
