Aerofoil is a shape capable of producing lift with relatively high efficiency as it passes through the air.
- Leading-edge is a part of an aerofoil that hits the air particles first
- Trailing edge is a part from an aerofoil that hits the air particles last
- Chord line is a straight line joining the leading and trailing edges of an aerofoil
- Mean camber line is a line joining the leading and trailing edges of an aerofoil, equidistant from the upper and lower surfaces
- Maximum camber is the maximum distance of the mean camber line from the chord line
The airflow over the wing increases its speed causing a reduction in pressure, this generates a force (lift) perpendicular to the chord of the aerofoil. The airflow below the wing moves much more slowly, generating greater pressure and less or negative lift.
All aerofoil surfaces generate drag. The distance between the wing root and wingtip is the length of the wing. The wingspan is the distance from one wingtip to the other wingtip. The ratio of wing length to chord is called the aspect ratio.
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