Aspect ratio in flight mechanics refers to the ratio of an aircraft’s wingspan to its mean chord (average width). A higher aspect ratio generally results in lower induced drag, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency. Aircraft with higher aspect ratios tend to have better lift-to-drag ratios, leading to improved fuel efficiency and maneuverability. Aspect ratio influences an aircraft’s lift distribution and overall performance characteristics during flight. It is a crucial design parameter affecting both subsonic and supersonic aerodynamics. The formula to calculate Aspect ratio as follows:
- b is the wing span in m
- Croot is the Ro0t chord in m
- λ is the wing taper ratio.