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. The elliptical wing was decided upon quite early on. Aerodynamically it was the best for our purpose because the induced drag, that caused in producing lift, was lowest when this shape was used; the ellipse was an ideal shape, theoretically a perfection.Elliptical wings produce the lowest induced drag for a given span and area — making them aerodynamically ideal for subsonic efficiency.
What wing shape is best for lift?
Since a glider is slow and light, with the objective of best lift to drag ratio being paramount, the best wing planform is a very high aspect ratio tapered rectangular shape with a bit of dihedral. The results show an optimal wing aspect ratio in the order of 12. A further increase in aspect ratio to a value of 13.