Mathematics

What does the aspect ratio of a wing express?

Answer

The ratio of the length (or span) of the airfoil to its width (or chord)

Aspect ratio is the ratio of the length, or span, of an airfoil to its width, or chord; the handbook gives a typical commercial airliner value of about 7 to 1. It is a pure shape ratio and does not involve weight, camber, or thickness.

Source: FAA-H-8083-30B, Ch. 3 p. 3-7 — 'Ratio — aspect ratio'

Not the answer

  • The ratio of the wing's thickness to its chord
  • The ratio of the wing's upper camber to its lower camber
  • The ratio of the wing area to the gross weight of the aircraft

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