Wing Loading Formula:
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Definition: Wing loading is the measurement of an aircraft's weight divided by its wing area.
Purpose: It helps RC aircraft designers and pilots understand the aircraft's performance characteristics including stall speed, maneuverability, and landing speed.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The aircraft weight is divided by the wing area to determine how much weight each square meter of wing must support.
Details: Lower wing loading generally means slower flight and better maneuverability, while higher wing loading means faster flight but requires more speed for takeoff and landing.
Tips: Enter the aircraft weight in kilograms and wing area in square meters. Both values must be > 0.
Q1: What's a typical wing loading for RC planes?
A: It varies by type: Trainers 30-50 kg/m², Sport planes 50-80 kg/m², Jets 80-150 kg/m².
Q2: How does wing loading affect flight characteristics?
A: Higher wing loading means higher stall speed and less float, while lower wing loading allows slower flight and better thermal soaring.
Q3: How do I measure wing area?
A: For rectangular wings: span × chord. For tapered wings: average chord × span.
Q4: Should I include battery weight?
A: Yes, always use the total flying weight including battery, fuel (if applicable), and all equipment.
Q5: What's the relationship between wing loading and wing cube loading?
A: Wing cube loading (WCL) further refines the calculation by accounting for scale effects, calculated as weight/wing area^1.5.