Are wings more efficient than propellers?

A large propeller, or a high-bypass turbofan with a large intake, will do better than a small propeller or a turbojet with a small intake. But the wing of a typical conventional aircraft “grabs” a much larger parcel of air during any unit of time than its engines do.

What is the purpose of aircraft wings?

wing, in aeronautics, an airfoil that helps lift a heavier-than-air craft. When positioned above the fuselage (high wings), wings provide an unrestricted view below and good lateral stability. Parasol wings, placed on struts high above the fuselage of seaplanes, help keep the engine from water spray.

Why are swept-wing type airplanes more critical in weight and balance?

Swept-wing airplanes are more critical due to fuel imbalance because as the fuel is used from the outboard tanks, the CG shifts forward. As fuel is used from the inboard tanks, the CG shifts aft. Fuel in the tanks of a swept-wing airplane affects both lateral and longitudinal balance.

How efficient are wings?

For conventional fixed-wing aircraft with moderate aspect ratio and sweep, Oswald efficiency number with wing flaps retracted is typically between 0.7 and 0.85. At supersonic speeds, Oswald efficiency number decreases substantially. For example, at Mach 1.2 Oswald efficiency number is likely to be between 0.3 and 0.5.

Why is a propeller shaped like an airfoil?

Since propellers generate thrust through pressure differences, propellers are said to create “lift” in the direction of motion. An airfoil shape is typically defined as the cross-section of the wing, and the blades of a propeller are also airfoil shaped.

How can the aspect ratio of an aircraft be improved?

The aspect ratio of the aircraft is usually kept as high as possible to reduce the induced drag. However, it forms only one part of the total drag acting one the body. The L/D ratio can be improved by either increasing the (coefficient of) lift or decreasing the (coefficient of) drag.

What is the lift to drag ratio of a modern aircraft?

Reference here. The lift to drag ratio is somewhere between 19 and 20, which is comparable to aircraft with higher aspect ratios and superior to aircraft with similar aspect ratios. A reference to the lift/drag number is here.

What is the difference between high wing and low wing airplanes?

The distinctions between high and low wing airplanes are, visually, obvious. High wing aircraft place the wing above the fuselage, the main body of the aircraft, while low wing aircraft place the wing below the fuselage.

How can the L/D ratio of the wing airfoil be improved?

The L/D ratio can be improved by either increasing the (coefficient of) lift or decreasing the (coefficient of) drag. While no data is available in open sources, it is likely that the wing airfoil was designed for high lift in cruise conditions.