Why are glider wings so thin?
Gliders have high aspect ratio wings because it reduces vortex induced downwash and thus reduced parasitic drag. Birds such as Albatrosses have wings like these presumably to allow them to stay aloft at sea for days. Gliders have a high aspect ratio because the drag of the aircraft depends on this parameter. A higher aspect ratio gives a lower drag, a higher lift to drag ratio, and a better glide angle. When designing your glider you should aim for its aspect ratio to be: 4.One measure of performance is the glide ratio. A ratio of 30:1 means that in smooth air a glider can travel forward 30 meters while losing only 1 meter of altitude.