Wing planforms

Question 1

What are some common wing planforms

Answer 1

Rectangular (Piper light aircraft)

Taper (P-51 Mustang)

Elliptical (Spitfire)

Crescent (handle page victor)

Delta (A4 Skyhawk)

Sweep back (Boeing 787)

Question 2

What is planform

Answer 2

The shape of the wing when viewed above or below

Question 3

What are advantages of a rectangular wing

Answer 3

Excellent slow-flight characteristics

If a stall begins at the wing root providing adequate stall warning and aileron effectiveness

Question 4

What are characteristics of a elliptical wing or tapered wing

Answer 4

Typically stall along the entire trailing edge providing little stall warning.

Elliptical wing is most efficient

Question 5

What are characteristics of a Delta wing

Answer 5

Used on higher performance aircraft

Efficient at high speeds, but not at low speeds.

At low speeds, a delta wing requires a high angle of attack to maintain lift