The lift slope, also known as the lift curve slope or lift coefficient slope, is a parameter that describes how the lift force of an aircraft wing changes with the angle of attack. In the context of a swept wing, the lift slope refers to how the lift coefficient (Cl) changes as the angle of attack (α) is varied. A swept wing is a wing design where the wing’s leading edge is inclined backward or “swept” relative to the aircraft’s direction of flight. This design is commonly used in high-speed aircraft to reduce drag and increase critical Mach number. The lift slope for a swept wing is typically smaller than that of a straight wing at subsonic speeds. This means that for a given change in angle of attack, a swept wing will generate less change in lift coefficient compared to a straight wing.
- Lift slope for swept wing (a) in per rad
- Lift slope for airfoil (a0) in per rad
- Sweep angle (Λ) in rad
- Aspect ratio (AR)