Page 74 - Understanding Flight

CH03_Anderson 7/25/01 8:56 AM Page 61

Wings 61

Fig. 3.3. The F-104 Star Fighter with a thin sharp wing. (Photo courtesy of NASA.)

Fig. 3.4. A STOL airplane with a fat leading-edge wing. (Photo courtesy of Czech
Aircraft.)

cruise speed is usually not the primary goal of STOL aircraft. Figure 3.4
shows the wing of a typical STOL aircraft. It is much fatter than for a
typical general-aviation airplane and has a well-rounded leading edge.

Wing Planforms

Along with selecting the right airfoil, or wing section, the designer
must also select the right planform. The planform is the contour of the