Types of Aircraft Wings

When it comes to the dynamics of the flight of an aircraft, the wings are a component you simply cannot ignore. Aircraft “wings” are what is technically referred to as airfoils that create lift when moved rapidly through the air. As such they are key components  behind the forces that enable flight. 

Throughout aviation history engineers have tested countless wing configurations. Within this article, we examine some of the most popular types of aircraft wings and their designs. 

6 Types of Aircraft Wings Based on Platform 

Typically, the first thing you will likely recognize about an aircraft’s wings would be its shape, or its planform. Planform refers to the shape and layout of the fuselage and wing of a fixed wing aircraft.

1) Rectangular Wings 

Other than being exceptionally simple to recognize, a rectangular wing is also just as easy to manufacture. Rectangular wings aren’t tapered and do not have any odd angles. They are simply made of straight lines, which is great for manufacturers but not as great for pilots. This is because rectangular wings are not as aerodynamically advantageous when compared to other wing types. 

2) Tapered Straight Wing 

A design step further from the rectangular wing is the tapered straight wing. Having this tapered effect increases the overall aerodynamic feel of the vessel. 

Similar to rectangular wings, tapered straight wings are equally easy to manufacture. Their build might be more complex than that of the rectangular wing, but overall, the former has a better design. 

3) Elliptical Wing 

The mirror image of the rectangular wing is the elliptical wing. Pilots report the elliptical wing design as being the most efficient and aerodynamic wing shape. The elliptical wing is aerodynamically designed to reduce all possible drag. The design has a curvature that ensures lift distribution that is simply great. Unfortunately, these are incredibly hard to manufacture, seeing as the entire wing is curved. Besides, by design, these are expected to be exceptionally thin, which further complicates their manufacturing. 

4) Swept Wing 

The most common shape of wings is the swept-back wing. Based on the name, swept-back wings have their tips swept back relative to the base where they are mounted to the fuselage. There are also forward swept wings, which are less common but share many similarities with the back-swept wing. 

The advantage of this shape of the wing is that by design, they significantly reduce drag during flight. What this means is that the aircraft can fly more efficiently and easily overcome the effects of drag. That is particularly why this shape of wings is used for high-speed commercial planes as it makes super fast travel possible. 

5) Delta Wing 

Delta wings are triangular-shaped, which is perfect for supersonic aircraft. The greatest advantage that this shape of wings has is their efficiency during subsonic and supersonic flights. Besides, these boast a large surface area, which makes maneuverability a breeze. 

6) Trapezoidal Wing 

The trapezoidal wing is a variation of the tapered wing. The back edge of the wing sweeps forward while the front sweeps back. You will often see this shape of an aircraft wing on U.S. combat aircraft. The reason it is popular with the military is because it is highly efficient when it comes to supersonic flights. What’s more, it offers some stealth capabilities. The downside to this shape is that it reduces the maneuverability of the plane. 

There have been many other wing types tested throughout aviation history, but the list above contains the most common types you’re likely to run across when diving into the field of aeronautics.

7 Types of Aircraft Wings Based on Configuration

 

1) Low-Wing Configuration 

Low-wing configuration basically means that wings will be mounted low on the body of the plane, below the middle of it. Low-wing configuration is pretty common and is what you’ll most likely see in single-engine aircraft.

A common example of low-wing aircraft is those found within commercial passenger crafts. This configuration is a favorite among pilots as it offers the best overall visibility. Specifically, pilots have a 360 view which makes it easier to maneuver the plane. An additional reason why the low wing configuration is a favorite among pilots is that it makes a plane a bit more responsible for adjustment to controls. 

What is a low-wing aircraft?

A low-wing aircraft is one in which an aircraft has its wings mounted at the bottom or below the fuselage. Low-wing aircraft are ideal for passenger flights as they are designed to better absorb the landing impact, which leads to better stability. Besides, these have shorter take-off and faster acceleration. Smaller planes will often have these low wing configurations, but some might not.

What are the advantages of low-wing aircraft?

• Higher airspeeds
• Better fuel volume 
• Lower interference drag 
• Better visibility in base to the final turn 
• Upward and forward visibility of in-flight traffic 
• Better maneuverability and lighter body 

What are the disadvantages of low-wing aircraft?

• Low-wing aircraft are more prone to floating and ballooning in ground effect during the roundout and flare 
• The low-wing design makes it much more challenging to closely look at the underside of the wings 
• The wing’s proximity to the ground means that you have to be more careful during landing

2) Mid-Wing Configuration 

The mid-wing configuration is when the wings are mounted directly in the middle of the body of the plane. This will often be halfway up the fuselage. By design, support in this configuration will have to go through the fuselage. This greatly reduces the overall useful space inside the fuselage. This makes this configuration less popular. 

What are the advantages of mid-wing aircraft?

The mid-wing configuration has a few benefits. For starters, the mid-wing design makes the plane as balanced as can be during the flight. This offers better stability than with planes with low-wing configuration. 

What are the disadvantages of mid-wing aircraft?

Unfortunately, the tradeoff is that this mid-wing configuration makes the plane somewhat less responsive and less maneuverable than their low-wing counterparts. Think of mid-wing configurations as a great intermediary between the high and low-wing setups. 

3) High-Wing Configuration 

High wing placement gives the craft greater stability, especially at slower speeds. Additionally, it ensures greater roll stability and better downward visibility. With a higher wing, you should experience easier landing during roundout, even when shorter landing distances are involved.  

What is a high-wing aircraft?

A high-wing aircraft is one in which the wing box is located above the fuselage. The location of the wings in relation to the fuselage frees up space within the aircraft making a high-wing aircraft perfect for transporting cargo. 

What is a high-wing aircraft?

For high-wing designs, you should find those on cargo planes like the Cessna 172SP. The high wing design is ideal for large cargo and military planes, the design actually allows for more space within the fuselage which is then closer to the ground. This way, it becomes significantly easier to load and unload cargo and personnel. 

What are the advantages of high-wing aircraft?

• Greater stability, especially at slower speeds
• Higher center of lift
• Shorter landing distances
• Ideal trainer for new pilots 
• Easier landing during roundout and flare
• Better downward visibility 

What are the disadvantages of high-wing aircraft?

• High-wing aircraft are more likely to encounter a strong buffeting effect near stall, deterring the pilot from slowing further
• For aerobatic show planes, there is a sense of heaviness in the ailerons 

4) Dihedral Wing Configuration 

Other than the three basic wing configurations, there are a few more complex ones. One of these setups is the dihedral wing configuration which happens to be incredibly common. 

With this design, the tips of the wings are higher than the base that mounts to the fuselage. This makes the wings appear angled up from the body of the plane. Said wings will usually be mounted low on the fuselage, which increases the stability of the vessel while flying and turning. If you have smaller aircraft, this is the configuration you want to go with as it enables the plane to quickly level out and stabilize, especially in a difficult flight.  Dihedral wings are one of the most commonly used wing types as they offer excellent lateral stability.

5) Anhedral Wing Configuration 

Anhedral wing configuration is the exact opposite of the dihedral wing configuration. With the former, the tips of the wings will be lower than the base of the wings. This means that the wings are pointed downwards from the fuselage to the end of the wings. As there will be challenges with space, the wings will usually be mounted in the high wing configuration and attached to the plane on the upper surface of the body. 

The anhedral wing configuration doesn’t have a lot of fans. In practice, very few modern aircraft have this design. The only time that designers will go with such a configuration is when they can reduce stability in a situation where other parts of the plane add a lot more lateral stability. 

6) Gull Wing Configuration 

Right out of the gate, it is prudent to mention that explaining the gull-wing configuration might be quite an uphill task. A simple explanation of the gull-wing configuration is that it uses the dihedral wing design right at the body. You will notice that the wings are angled upwards. However, after a short distance from the body, the dihedral angle is significantly reduced, with the remainder of the wing being flat. 

While relatively strange, the  gull wing configuration is a go-to because it provides sufficient clearance for engines and propellers. By having the upwards angling, which then translates to a flat wing, there is sufficient space for the propellers. The pilot may also be able to see the immediate area outside the cockpit more easily. 

7) Inverted Gull Wing Configuration

The invited gull wing is the inverse of the gull-wing configuration. The wings are mounted towards the bottom of the aircraft, and then they shoot sharply downwards. The latter almost mirrors the inverted dihedral. Thereafter, these raise back upwards, similar to what you would have with the standard dihedral wing. 

If you want to strengthen the aircraft while also lowering the overall weight, the inverted gull wing is the configuration for you. The reason why this configuration is great is that it achieves both of these, which would typically be impossible.

5 Common Aircraft Wing Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the most efficient plane design?

A blended wing since it is lighter than a traditional fixed-wing design and has improved efficiency. Besides, they can operate in a low-friction environment.

2) What is a blended wing design?

A blended wing design does not include a definite fuselage but instead blends the wing and fuselage into a single construction. 

3) What kind of metal is used in airplane wings?

Aerospace-grade aluminum and, more recently, composite materials such as carbon fiber are commonly used for aircraft wing construction.

4) How does an aircraft wing work?

Airplane wings are shaped with aerodynamics in mind. The shape makes it easier for air to move over the top of the wing faster. As the air moves faster, the pressure of the air decreases. Theory dictates that as the wings move downwards, there will be equal and opposite push back upwards, which results in lift. 

5) What is aircraft wing structure?

The principal structural parts include the spars, ribs, and stringers. These are reinforced by trusses, tubing, I-beams, and skin. 

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