What is the concept of fixed-wing?
A fixed-wing aircraft is a heavier-than-air aircraft, such as an airplane, which is capable of flight using aerodynamic lift. Fixed-wing aircraft are distinct from rotary-wing aircraft (in which a rotor mounted on a spinning shaft generates lift), and ornithopters (in which the wings oscillate to generate lift). Airplane/aeroplane An airplane (spelled aeroplane in British English and shortened to plane) is a powered fixed-wing aircraft propelled by thrust from a jet engine or propeller. Planes come in many sizes, shapes, and wing configurations.An aircraft is any flying machine that is heavier than air, and a common name for fixed-wing aircraft is aeroplanes. The commercial aeroplanes and jets that you probably know of are referred to as fixed-wing aircraft due to their immovable wing component.One of the major disadvantages to a fixed wing solution is the need for a runway or launcher for take-off. Also fixed wing aircraft require air moving over their wings to generate lift, they must stay in a constant forward motion, which means they can’t stay stationary the same way a multirotor drones can.Fixed wing aircraft excel in speed, range, and altitude. They can travel at higher altitudes, often exceeding 30,000 feet. These planes also cover long distances without refueling, making them ideal for commercial flights and cargo transport. Their design allows greater fuel efficiency compared to rotary wing aircraft.Fixed-wing aircraft are distinct from rotary-wing aircraft (in which a rotor mounted on a spinning shaft generates lift), and ornithopters (in which the wings oscillate to generate lift).
What is the most common wing design?
Rectangular Wing This is one of the most basic wing shapes you’ll come across, and for good reason. A full rectangular wing has a straight leading edge and a straight trailing edge, forming a simple box-like shape when viewed from above. Rectangular wings are common on trainer aircraft like the Cessna 152 or Piper Cub. The geometrical parameters that define the shape of a wing include its span, chord distribution, aspect ratio, wash-out or another type of twist, and airfoil section shape. Wings may also have winglets, which help reduce overall wing drag.In aeronautics, the aspect ratio of a wing is the ratio of its span to its mean chord. It is equal to the square of the wingspan divided by the wing area.Calculating Wing Area The wing area is typically calculated by multiplying the wingspan (the distance from one wingtip to the other) by the average chord length (the distance from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the wing). This calculation encompasses the entire wing surface, including flaps and ailerons.
How to design a fixed-wing?
The design phases include wing shape, wing mounting position, tail configuration, fuselage configuration, engine configuration, propeller configuration, landing gear configuration, and finally the overall configuration selection. Airplanes are not all alike, but they are comprised of basic components. The main sections of an airplane include the fuselage, wings, cockpit, engine, propeller, tail assembly, and landing gear.The main sections of an airplane include the fuselage, wings, cockpit, engine, propeller, tail assembly, and landing gear.
What is the most efficient wing design?
An elliptical planform is the most efficient aerodynamic shape for an untwisted wing, leading to the lowest amount of induced drag. Tapered: wing narrows towards the tip. Structurally and aerodynamically more efficient than a constant chord wing, and easier to make than the elliptical type.