wing shape
Aerodynamic limb outline
Wing shape is the outline or configuration of a wing, particularly as it affects flight performance.
In birds and aircraft, wing shape determines maneuverability, speed, and lift: The hawk's tapered wing shape allows for rapid dives.
Ornithologists and engineers study wing shape to understand how different designs suit different flight needs—long and narrow for soaring, short and rounded for quick takeoffs.
- airfoilLift-generating curved surface
- leading edgeForemost position in development
- trailing edgeRear border of airfoil
- silhouetteFilled-in outline shape
- contourBounding line of shape
swept · delta · tapered · elliptical · feather · span · camber · profile · glide · soar · pointed · rounded · scalloped · lobed · membrane · venation · flutter · paper airplane