Wing loading

In aerodynamics, wing loading is the total weight of an aircraft or flying animal divided by the area of its wing.^[1]^[a] The stalling speed, takeoff speed and landing speed of an aircraft are partly determined by its wing loading.^[2]

The faster an aircraft flies, the more its lift is changed by a change in angle of attack so a smaller wing is less adversely affected by vertical gusts. Consequently, faster aircraft generally have higher wing loadings than slower aircraft in order to avoid excessive response to vertical gusts.^[3]

A higher wing loading also decreases maneuverability. The same constraints apply to winged biological organisms.

^ "Wing Loading Definition". Merriam Webster.
^ ^a ^b "Chapter 11: Aircraft Performance". Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C ed.). Federal Aviation Administration. 17 July 2023. pp. 8–9.
^ Wragg, David W. (1973). A Dictionary of Aviation (first ed.). Osprey. p. 281. ISBN 9780850451634.

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[1] "Wing Loading Definition". Merriam Webster.

[PHAK-2] "Chapter 11: Aircraft Performance". Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C ed.). Federal Aviation Administration. 17 July 2023. pp. 8–9.

[4] Wragg, David W. (1973). A Dictionary of Aviation (first ed.). Osprey. p. 281. ISBN 9780850451634.

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